West Bengal Police

The West Bengal Police is the primary law enforcement agency of the state of West Bengal, India, tasked with maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety of citizens. It operates under the authority of the Department of Home and Hill Affairs, Government of West Bengal. Established in 1861 under British rule, it is one of the oldest police forces in India, with jurisdiction over the entire state, excluding the city of Kolkata, which is managed by the Kolkata Police.

West Bengal Police plays a critical role in enforcing law and order, handling communal tensions, countering insurgency in sensitive areas, combating organized crime, and responding to natural disasters. It is also responsible for managing large public gatherings, political rallies, and ensuring peace during elections, which often witness high voter engagement and intense political activity.

The police force is divided into various wings and specialized units, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Task Force (STF), Women’s Grievance Cell, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, among others. It also has cybercrime units and rapid response teams to tackle modern security challenges. Headquartered in Kolkata, the West Bengal Police is led by the Director General of Police (DGP), who oversees its operations across the state.

In November 2021, BOOM fact-checked a viral photo claiming to show West Bengal Police cleaning a mosque as part of a community outreach program.

BOOM found that the photo was actually from Telangana in 2016, during a police-led cleanliness drive under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, debunking the misleading narrative linking it to West Bengal.