All 500 police stations in Bengal get cyber, women help desks

In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and improving public safety, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed the police department during a press conference held at the State Secretariat on July 2, 2026. He emphasized the need for honesty in reporting crime statistics, urging authorities not to conceal any data related to crimes against women and children. This directive comes amid ongoing concerns about the accuracy of crime reports submitted to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) during the tenure of the previous ruling party. Adhikari highlighted that despite claims of Kolkata being the safest city, incidents of violence against women persisted, raising questions about the reliability of the data presented.

Adhikari's comments were made in the context of a broader initiative to modernize the police force and improve its responsiveness to emerging threats. During the same event, he announced the establishment of dedicated help desks for women in all 500 police stations across the state. These help desks will operate around the clock and will be staffed by trained female officers who will assist victims of gender-based violence. Additionally, cybercrime help desks were introduced at each police station to address the growing threat of online fraud. Adhikari stressed that cybercrime is becoming increasingly prevalent and has reached epidemic proportions, affecting even vulnerable groups such as the elderly and marginalized communities.

The Chief Minister also mentioned the launch of the "All-Women Durga Surksha Squads" in municipal towns, indicating a commitment to empowering women within local governance structures. He called for the appointment of a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, either at the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) or Inspector General (IG) level, to oversee the operation of the cyber help desks and coordinate with the Union Home Ministry. This decision reflects an understanding of the complexity of cybercrime and the necessity for specialized expertise in managing such cases.

Furthermore, Adhikari outlined plans to recruit 20,000 additional police personnel, including 4,000 in Kolkata, by September 2026. This expansion aims to bolster the state's law enforcement capabilities and enhance community policing efforts. He also announced the introduction of a new police helpline—number 112—in the state by the time of Durga Puja in October, underscoring the government's dedication to making emergency services more accessible to the public.

The launch of these initiatives coincided with the passage of the "West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026," which Adhikari praised for creating a more supportive environment for the police to carry out their duties effectively. His emphasis on transparency in crime reporting aligns with a broader push to restore public trust in the administration following past allegations of data manipulation. By ensuring that accurate information is shared with the central government, Adhikari hopes to foster collaboration between state and national agencies in tackling criminal activities.

As the implementation of these measures progresses, the focus will shift toward monitoring their effectiveness and addressing any challenges that arise. The success of these reforms will likely depend on the extent to which they are embraced by both the police force and the wider community. With increased resources and improved infrastructure, the state is poised to make strides in combating both traditional and digital forms of crime, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure environment for its residents.