Kolkata: The West Bengal government has suspended senior IPS officer Koteswara Rao over the controversial handling of a Kali idol during unrest following the alleged desecration of a Goddess Kali idol in Kakdwip last year. The action forms part of a broader disciplinary crackdown in which four other police personnel have also been suspended over separate allegations ranging from excessive force and custodial misconduct to hurting religious sentiments.
The suspension comes months after the incident sparked widespread outrage across the state and became a major political flashpoint, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), then in the Opposition, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of insulting Hindu religious sentiments.
IPS Officer Suspended Over Kakdwip Kali Idol Incident
According to the state government, Koteswara Rao, who was serving as the Superintendent of Police of Sundarban Police District at the time of the incident, has been suspended for his role in the handling of the protest.
The controversy dates back to October 2025, when a Kali idol was allegedly desecrated during Kali Puja celebrations in Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district.
As local residents staged protests condemning the alleged desecration, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. According to the government, Rao subsequently ordered the damaged idol to be placed inside a police prison van and transported to the police station, a move that triggered severe criticism and allegations of disrespect towards the deity.
The incident quickly escalated into a statewide political controversy, with the BJP accusing the then TMC government of mishandling the situation and hurting religious sentiments.
Read also: West Bengal Transfers 28 IPS, 5 WBPS Officers; N.R. Babu Appointed CID Chief
Four More Police Personnel Face Action
Apart from Rao, disciplinary action has also been initiated against four other police personnel serving in different parts of the state.
Among them is a former Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Kaliaganj Police Station in Uttar Dinajpur, against whom an FIR has been registered after he allegedly shot dead a person during an investigation.
The suspended officers also include:
- A former Sub-Inspector of Kolkata Police
- A former Inspector of Kolkata Police
- A former Inspector from Nadia district
While detailed allegations against each officer have not been officially disclosed, the government stated that all of them faced accusations involving high-handedness, police excesses or actions that allegedly hurt religious sentiments.
Departmental Proceedings Initiated
The government has also initiated departmental proceedings against the former Inspector from Nadia over allegations that he made derogatory remarks which allegedly offended religious sentiments.
Officials indicated that disciplinary inquiries against the suspended officers will continue independently, while criminal proceedings wherever applicable will also move forward.
Kali Idol Incident Triggered Statewide Political Row
The Kakdwip incident had emerged as one of the most politically sensitive law-and-order controversies in West Bengal during 2025.
Following reports of the alleged desecration of a Kali idol, local residents launched protests demanding strict action. The subsequent police response, particularly the decision to transport the idol in a prison van after dispersing protesters through force, attracted sharp criticism from opposition parties and religious organisations.
The BJP had repeatedly accused the then TMC administration of failing to respect religious sentiments and demanded action against the officers involved.
With the suspension of IPS officer Koteswara Rao and disciplinary proceedings against four other police personnel, the state government has now initiated formal administrative action in the matter.
