Kolkata, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the investigation into the custodial death of Birju Keot, husband of former Trinamool Congress councillor of Kanchrapara Municipality Jenny Sharma Keot, following a directive from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Keot was arrested on August 6 in connection with multiple charges, including extortion and assault. He was found unconscious in custody in the early hours of August 8 and was being taken to Kalyani Hospital when he died.
The development comes after Adhikari acknowledged lapses on the part of the police following the incident. The investigating officer of the local police station has already been suspended, while the officer-in-charge has been “closed”, meaning removed from the police station pending further action.
On August 10, Adhikari visited Keot’s residence and met his family members. He announced a magisterial inquiry into the custodial death in accordance with the prescribed protocol, assigning North 24 Parganas District Magistrate Shilpi Gourisaria to conduct the probe.
The Chief Minister had also said that the government would regularly update both his office and the bereaved family about the progress of the inquiry.
Considering the family’s financial circumstances, Adhikari announced assistance and employment support. He said Keot’s wife would receive Rs 15,000 per month for a year, after which she would be provided a Group-D government job.
He also announced Rs 10 lakh in financial assistance for the family, noting that Keot had two children, although the family had not sought such assistance.
The CID probe will now examine the circumstances surrounding Keot’s arrest, his time in custody and the events leading to his death. The development comes amid continuing scrutiny of the police handling of the case.
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