Kolkata, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
West Bengal Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh on Sunday defended the use of force by police against organised criminals and anti-social elements, saying “police excesses” may at times be necessary to maintain law and order.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a BJP office in his Kharagpur (Sadar) Assembly constituency in West Midnapore district, Ghosh responded to criticism that the police under the new government were “overreacting”.
“Many people are saying that the police in the new regime in West Bengal are overreacting. Let the police overreact. It is always better than allowing mafias and diehard anti-social elements to overreact,” he said.
Ghosh argued that excessive action by the police was preferable if it helped maintain peace and control criminal elements.
“If the police overreact, society will remain peaceful. At times, police excesses are necessary to keep the mafias and diehard anti-social elements in society under control,” he said.
The minister also accused the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of allowing mafia and anti-social elements to flourish by keeping the police force inactive.
“Earlier, the police used to run the mafia kingdom in collaboration with gangsters and mafia leaders. Now, this will not happen. If necessary, there will be encounters. The new state government will not tolerate the police personnel becoming party cadres,” Ghosh said.
He referred to the encounter killing of Prvas Mondal, who was accused in the rape and murder of a minor girl in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district.
Ghosh further warned that criminals would not be allowed to operate freely and said police would take strong action if necessary.
“No mafia or goons will be able to operate freely. If they resort to anti-social activities, they will be shot and not provided with rice and lentils. We will do whatever is necessary to keep them under control,” he said.
He added that the government would not tolerate harassment of ordinary citizens and said police would use their weapons when required.
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