Like Kumar, Goyal is seen as one of the ‘key enforcers’ – as claimed by the doctors and the political opponents – for the ruling establishment, accused of bending over backwards to protect the government’s image and to please the Chief Minister. As discontent swells within the police force and on the streets, Goyal’s actions could be carving out a similar legacy of controversy and political manoeuvering.
Post the vandalisation of the hospital on August 14, Goyal has been accused of inept handling of the situation, as alleged by the junior doctors. His mishandling of the series of incidents, and not acknowledging or addressing the procedural lapses, fierce criticism and mass protests, have exposed him as a key figure in the controversy. In addition, the government’s allegedly flawed response has only intensified scrutiny, with Goyal’s role now a flashpoint in the escalating political backlash.
Goyal vs Kumar: A New Face of Political Policing?
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, known for her key officials, who have remained ‘loyal’ to her, appears determined to shield Goyal, much like she did in the past for Rajeev Kumar, the former Kolkata Police Commissioner. During Kumar’s tenure, when he was under scrutiny for his role in the Saradha scam, Banerjee famously sat on a dharna to protect him.
Now, a similar scenario has been unfolding, with Banerjee seemingly ready to go to great lengths to defend Goyal amid the ongoing RG Kar controversy. While addressing a televised administrative meeting on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the Commissioner wanted to resign from his position last week, however she refused.
Here, the parallels between Vineet Goyal and Rajeev Kumar are hard to unsee and ignore. Both have found themselves in the middle of political and administrative storms, and in both cases, Mamata Banerjee has stepped in to protect them, even at the cost of drawing further criticism.
The mighty police officers of Kolkata
Rajeev Kumar is an IIT graduate and technocrat who joined the IPS. He is a 1989 batch officer who quickly gained a reputation for being highly competent and efficient, and for possessing a sharp mind that gave him the edge over his peers. He superseded many seniors to become the CP of Kolkata as well.
Goyal, also an IIT graduate and an IT (information technology) expert, held several crucial positions in the Kolkata Police, the state’s CID and the STF. He has been honoured with two gallantry medals; however, his peers often question the legitimacy of those medals. Goyal received several central and state government medals for his service.
Why is Mamata shielding Vineet Goyal?
There have been instances of shifting goalposts in the West Bengal administration.
On August 11, a junior doctor demanded the removal of RG Kar Medical College’s principal Sandip Ghosh, which marked the beginning of a series of escalating demands and significant changes in the system. Another primary target was the then ACP (assistant commissioner of police)-level officer who was in charge of the hospital. The government removed both.
However, the anger escalated after the vandalisation of the hospital on August 14 leading to substantial discontent brewing against the CP.
A senior IAS officer said, “There is no end to such demands. These are arm twisting tactics. The CP offered to resign, but the CM refused because she thinks that surrendering to such pressure tactics may act counter productive.”
However, another source in the government ranks said that the Chief Minister is also worried about the escalation. “If she removes Goyal, the next target of the protestor might be her health portfolio as she is the health minister,” the source said.
The investigation into these matters is complex, involving procedural issues and several glitches, with the CBI now examining the role of various individuals. The trial’s timing and related issues, including the involvement of the investigating team, remain under intense scrutiny as the political and administrative landscape shifts dramatically.
The question now is whether Goyal will follow the same path as Kumar, whose career was mired in controversy, or if Banerjee’s backing will help him weather this storm.
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