Kolkata: The West Bengal government has appointed two senior Indian Police Service officers — Damayanti Sen and K. Jayaraman — to crucial positions in two high-powered probe commissions announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The appointments are among the most significant administrative decisions taken by the new state government and are being viewed as a strong signal that the commissions will be led by experienced and highly respected officers.
The two panels are scheduled to begin functioning from June 1, 2026.
Damayanti Sen Appointed to Commission on Crimes Against Women and Children
Damayanti Sen, currently an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)-rank officer, has been appointed Member Secretary of a commission tasked with probing cases involving violence, harassment, and atrocities against women and girl children across West Bengal.
The commission will be chaired by retired judge Justice Samapti Chatterjee.
Her appointment is being widely described as a major comeback after years away from politically sensitive assignments.
K. Jayaraman to Serve on Anti-Corruption Commission
The second commission, headed by retired judge Justice Biswajit Basu, will investigate institutional corruption in the state.
K. Jayaraman, also an ADGP-rank officer, has been appointed Member Secretary of this panel.
Known for his tough law-and-order approach and extensive field experience, Jayaraman is expected to play a central role in coordinating the inquiry.
Who Is Damayanti Sen?
Damayanti Sen is one of the most respected women police officers in India and belongs to the 1996 batch of the West Bengal cadre.
Academic Excellence
Born on January 13, 1970, in Kolkata, she studied Economics at Jadavpur University and secured first-class first positions in both graduation and postgraduation.
First Woman Joint Commissioner (Crime)
Sen created history by becoming the first woman to serve as Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Kolkata Police.
Park Street Rape Case and National Recognition
She gained national prominence during the 2012 Park Street rape case. While political controversy surrounded the incident, Sen led a meticulous investigation that established the truth and resulted in arrests of the accused.
Her professional integrity during the case earned her widespread public respect.
Later Career and Judicial Confidence
In 2022, the Calcutta High Court entrusted her with the investigation of several high-profile rape cases and the Rasika Jain death case, reflecting the judiciary’s confidence in her impartiality.
She later served as Special Commissioner of Kolkata Police and was promoted to ADG (Training) in 2023.
Who Is K. Jayaraman?
K. Jayaraman is a senior IPS officer of the 1997 batch from the West Bengal cadre and is known for his operational and administrative expertise.
Personal and Educational Background
- Date of Birth: November 15, 1966
- Home State: Tamil Nadu
- Educational Qualification: M.A. in History
Key Postings
Jayaraman has served in several important positions, including:
- Police Commissioner, Siliguri
- Administrator, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)
- ADG & IGP, North Bengal Region
Recognition
He was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2017.
Why These Appointments Matter
The selection of Damayanti Sen and K. Jayaraman indicates that the West Bengal government has chosen seasoned officers with strong reputations for professionalism and integrity.
Their roles as Member Secretaries will be critical in coordinating investigations, managing evidence, and ensuring the effective functioning of the commissions.
