Kolkata: CM Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday expressed hope that Centre would clear the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, popularly known as the “anti-goonda” bill, within the next few days, paving the way for its implementation.Explaining the delay on the bill that has been passed by the state assembly, Adhikari referred to provisions involving the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the question of “capital punishment”. “It has remained under consideration by the Union home ministry. We hope to receive clearance within the next few days. Andhra Pradesh has received it earlier,” he said.Speaking at the launch of the Dial 112 emergency response programme at Brigade Parade Grounds, the CM stressed the need to strengthen the police force and recalled several instances of attacks on police personnel in the state.Under this system, citizens in distress can reach help by dialling 112, sending an SMS to 112 or issuing an SOS through the ‘112 India’ mobile application. Dial 112 connects the caller immediately to police (100), fire brigade (101), ambulance (102/108), and women/child safety services through one call.“For too long, our state has run a police system dependent on civic volunteers. Without adequate manpower, cyber capabilities and infrastructure, how can you send police personnel to fight crime? They will end up being attacked themselves,” he said.Referring to an incident in which CRPF personnel were allegedly pelted with stones on Park Street, Adhikari said he had personally visited the spot and warned that anyone assaulting a police officer would face serious consequences. He also cited an incident in Asansol in which a police outpost was vandalised, claiming the perpetrators were made to pay compensation.Adhikari said state govt had introduced two bills to strengthen the hands of the police. One provides for recovering compensation for damage to govt property, while the other deals with preventive arrest. “One law has come into force, while the other is under consideration,” he added.The assembly passed an amendment to the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order bill to facilitate recovery of compensation for damage to public and private property during riots and violent protests, which subsequently became an act and was implemented in the state.Unveiling 450 four-wheelers and an equal number of motorcycles as part of Dial 112 emergency response, Adhikari said: “Today is just the beginning. Within the next year, we will provide four motorcycles and four cars to every police station in the state.”The CM claimed that West Bengal Police’s response time was around 90 minutes, compared with 15 minutes for Kolkata Police. He stressed the need to bridge this gap. He also criticised the previous govt for the poor state of police administration and its failure to deliver services.Adhikari added that more than 11,000 constables would be appointed before Durga Puja. The CM stressed govt’s zero tolerance to drug abuse, child marriage and underage pregnancy for girls under 18, and reiterated his commitment to securing justice for the RG Kar victim’s family.
