‘Bengal Tigress’ Damayanti Sen Returns As BJP Govt Orders Major Corruption And Women Safety Probes

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced the formation of two major inquiry committees to investigate allegations of corruption and atrocities against women during the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

The move is being seen as a major political development in the state, with the newly formed BJP-led government launching investigations into several issues linked to the earlier administration.

According to the Chief Minister, both inquiry panels will officially begin functioning from June 1. The announcement also marked the return of former IPS officer Damayanti Sen to a significant administrative position, with the veteran officer being appointed Member Secretary of the commission probing atrocities against women and girl children.

Damayanti Sen Returns To Public Role

The decision was announced after the state cabinet meeting by senior BJP leader and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who described it as the fulfilment of a major election promise made by the BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Assembly campaign.

Under the new structure, retired Justice Biswajit Basu will head the commission tasked with examining institutional corruption, while senior IPS officer Jayaraman has been appointed Member Secretary.

Separate Panel To Investigate Crimes Against Women

The second commission will focus on allegations involving violence, harassment and atrocities against women and girl children across the state.
This panel will be chaired by retired Justice Samapti Chatterjee, while former Kolkata Police officer Damayanti Sen will serve as Member Secretary.

Damayanti Sen is widely known for handling several sensitive and high-profile investigations during her tenure in the police force, making her return one of the most talked-about aspects of the government's announcement.

Panels Expected To Begin Work From June 1

Officials said both commissions are expected to begin operations from June 1 after administrative and logistical preparations are completed.

The state government reportedly expects initial observations and preliminary recommendations from the panels within the next one to two months.

Panel To Probe Alleged Corruption And 'Cut Money' Claims

The first committee has been formed to examine allegations of institutional corruption, financial irregularities and alleged "cut money" practices during the previous government.
The panel will be headed by retired Justice Biswajit Basu.

Senior IPS officer Jayaraman has been appointed as the member-secretary of the committee.

According to officials, the inquiry will focus on complaints related to misuse of public funds, corruption allegations and accusations that beneficiaries of government schemes were forced to pay unofficial commissions or "cut money" to receive benefits.

The issue of "cut money" had remained a major political controversy in West Bengal over the last several years.

Committees To Start Work From June 1

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said both panels are expected to begin investigations from June 1.

The government is likely to issue detailed operational guidelines and terms of reference for the committees in the coming days.

Officials indicated that the panels may collect testimonies, review official records and examine complaints submitted by citizens and affected individuals.

CM Adhikari Issues Strong Warning After Tiljala Violence

Apart from announcing the inquiry committees, Chief Minister Adhikari also issued a strong warning following violence during a bulldozer operation in Kolkata's Tiljala area.
The remarks came a day after stones were allegedly thrown at security personnel during an anti-encroachment drive.

The Chief Minister said his government follows a "zero tolerance" policy against vandalism and attacks on police personnel.

According to him, strict legal action would be taken against those involved in hooliganism or damage to public property.

"Hooliganism Will Be Eradicated": CM

Speaking to the media, Adhikari said:

"The police will now act strictly in accordance with the law; they are the law enforcement agency. Gone are the days when police personnel would get injured while the Police Minister merely sat in an air-conditioned room, watching things unfold - forget those days now."

He further added:

"From this point forward, hooliganism will be eradicated from Bengal. The message must reach everyone that this government is here to take action."

The comments are being viewed as a direct political attack on the previous TMC administration led by Mamata Banerjee.

Political Significance Of The Decision

The formation of the inquiry committees is expected to intensify political tensions in West Bengal. BJP leaders have repeatedly accused the previous government of corruption and administrative failures, while TMC leaders have often rejected those allegations as politically motivated.

Political observers believe the investigations could become a major issue in state politics over the coming months.

Focus On Governance And Law Enforcement

The announcements also signal the new government's attempt to project a tougher administrative and law-enforcement approach.

By launching separate investigations into corruption and crimes against women, the administration appears to be positioning accountability and governance reforms as central themes of its political agenda.

More details regarding the functioning and powers of both inquiry panels are expected to be announced soon.