Full Breakdown
Kolkata Police ASI Arrested After Video Shows Alleged Harassment of Durga Puja Volunteer
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
A video that circulated on social media on October 17 shows a 50-year-old Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Kolkata Armed Police touching a 21-year-old woman who was volunteering at the Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja pandal. The footage captures the alleged contact while the woman is seated on a chair near the exit gate of the pandal on a busy street. The incident is reported to have occurred between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. at the pandal’s exit gate in New Alipore. The volunteer filed a written complaint alleging unwelcome physical contact that amounts to sexual harassment.
Legal Proceedings
The complaint prompted the New Alipore police station to register a case on October 18 under Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR identifies the accused as Kabirul Islam, also recorded as Kabirul Hasan Mondal, and notes his attachment to the 3rd Battalion’s ‘B’ Company of the Kolkata Armed Police. Following the registration, the ASI was taken into custody. Police officials confirmed that the accused’s family has been informed and that further legal proceedings are underway.
Police and Institutional Context
Kabirul Hasan Mondal serves as an ASI in the Kolkata Armed Police, a unit responsible for maintaining law and order during major public events, including the city’s Durga Puja celebrations. His role placed him at the pandal’s exit gate, where volunteers assist with crowd management and security.
Official Response
Kolkata police statements emphasize that the arrest was made after the viral video surfaced and a formal complaint was lodged. Authorities indicated that the case is being processed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the BNS and that the family of the accused has been notified.
Potential Impact
The incident highlights concerns about misconduct by law-enforcement personnel during high-profile cultural festivals. It underscores the importance of safeguarding volunteers who assist in crowd control and may prompt reviews of police deployment and oversight mechanisms during future Durga Puja events.