In a step indicating its zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, extortion, and the alleged “syndicate raj” West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday launched a number of public helpline lines at the state police headquarters, Bhawani Bhawan, so that people can report crimes directly.
With the introduction of the new helplines, people can lodge complaints at any time by using the special toll-free number, which can be reviewed by the Chief Minister.
The helpline numbers are:
155334 – Complaints related to alleged “cut-money” (illegal commissions)
1553335 – Complaints regarding alleged syndicate-related corruption
1553337 – Complaints concerning alleged illegal roadside tax or toll collection
1553339 – Complaints related to illegal liquor activities
The government mentioned that priority will be given to complaints concerning alleged demands for cut-money, operations of ‘syndicates’ connected with sand, stone, and cement, illegal toll collection at roadsides, and the illicit trade in alcohol.
Hitting out at the previous government, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari mentioned that over the last 15 years, the public perception of the state’s administrative machinery and the police have taken a hit. Adhikari promised that the administration would strive to rebuild the reputation of Bengal through better policing and improved public services.
The BJP-led state government has decided to modernise the police force and deal with the problem of manpower shortage, the Chief Minister said, adding that 100,000 new police personnel would be recruited and women police personnel would be posted close to their home districts.
The BJP has levelled allegations of corruption and ‘syndicate raj’ in several sectors with many leaders, workers and former TMC MLAs landing up in prison and facing enquiries.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report recently tabled have mentioned several instances of financial irregularities carried out during the previous regime.