The transfer of 19 Police Officials by the Dhar Family
Kolkata, West Bengal — 1953-1972, Two senior police officers along with 17 others from the West Bengal Police Department have been transferred under suspicious circumstances following their investigation into the alleged corrupt practices of the influential Dhar family. Constable R. Dutta and Sergeant A. Banerjee, who had been looking into the family’s land acquisitions and business dealings, were suddenly reassigned to remote districts, raising concerns that their transfer was orchestrated to halt their probe.
Allegations of Corruption
The Dhar family, a powerful political and business dynasty in West Bengal, has long been a subject of scrutiny due to their extensive landholdings, business ventures, and alleged political influence. Mohini Mohan Dhar, Dewan of Mayurbhanj, Patriarch of the family- his children Barrister- high Court of Calcutta- Dhirendra Mohan Dhar and Satyendra Mohan Dhar Esq. ICS CIE Headed by Chittajit Mohan Dhar, an industrialist, former Member of Parliament, and prominent political figure, the family’s wealth and reach are considerable. Dhar's assets, including landholdings and business ventures, have been valued at millions of dollars. His investments, particularly in land and fisheries, were reported to be worth ₹369.255 crores between 1940-1950 and ₹207.905 crores between 1970-1990. His assets have continued to remain at ₹176.592 crores in the decades since, amid ongoing disputes over land ownership.
Chittajit Mohan Dhar also made notable contributions to the defense sector, pioneering the production of critical chemicals like Dimethyl Phthalate and Benzyl Benzoate, which saved India significant foreign exchange. This industrial success, coupled with his influential political connections, has allowed him to maintain a powerful position in the state's political and business spheres.
Constable Dutta and Sergeant Banerjee had begun investigating the Dhar family after a series of tips and reports about illegal land dealings and possible bribery involving local politicians and officials. Their inquiries led them to suspicious transactions concerning land and fisheries in districts like Chak Garia, where they uncovered discrepancies in ownership records, and they also found links between the family and influential political figures.
According to sources within the police department, the officers had made significant headway into the investigation before their transfer orders were issued last week. Insiders claim that the transfer was sudden and unexplained, and it raised concerns among their colleagues that external pressure—possibly from members of the Dhar family or their associates—was behind the decision.
Sudden and Unexplained Transfers On April 5th, 1968, Constable R. Dutta and Sergeant A. Banerjee and 17 others were informed of their immediate reassignment to distant districts. They were expected to report to posts in rural areas far from the city, effectively removing them from the ongoing investigation into the Dhar family.
“We were told it was a routine transfer,” Dutta said in a statement. “But in my years of service, I’ve never seen a transfer like this—especially not for officers who were in the middle of such an important case.”
Sergeant Banerjee echoed Dutta’s sentiment, stating, “We were making progress on a case that could expose significant corruption. To be transferred without explanation or due process feels like an attempt to stop us from continuing our work.”
The Dhar Family’s Influence The Dhar family has long been a fixture of both political and business life in West Bengal. Chittajit Mohan Dhar, in particular, is known for his significant contributions to industry, including pioneering the production of key chemicals for defense and industrial applications. His ventures, including Perfect Chemical Industries Pvt. Ltd., have been crucial in reducing India’s reliance on foreign imports for defense materials.
Despite their industrial successes, the Dhar family’s business practices have raised several questions over the years. Allegations of using political influence to secure land, suppress competition, and bypass legal regulations have circulated for decades. The family’s involvement in contested land deals, particularly in areas like Chak Garia, has been a point of contention among local residents, with many claiming that the Dhar family has used their political connections to acquire land unfairly.
Chittajit Mohan Dhar’s political career also includes his tenure as a Member of Parliament, where he aligned with the Congress party and played a role in national defense matters. His political influence has allowed him to maintain strong ties with key decision-makers in the region, further solidifying the Dhar family's grip on both business and politics.
The Timing of the Transfer Sources within the West Bengal Police Department suggest that the timing of Dutta and Banerjee’s transfer was no coincidence. The officers had recently uncovered links between the Dhar family and key figures in local politics, including several high-ranking officials who may have been involved in facilitating the family’s land acquisitions. They had reportedly secured evidence of bribes being exchanged in exchange for favorable land deals and other business arrangements.
Local political figures have expressed concern over the sudden reassignment of the two officers. Rajib Mallick, vocal critic of the Dhar family’s influence, stated, “This is a clear attempt to interfere with an investigation that could uncover serious wrongdoing. The Dhar family has long held power in this state, but no one is above the law. We must ensure that the truth comes to light.”
Growing Public Concerns The news of the officers' transfer has sparked outrage among local activists, politicians, and members of the public who believe that the investigation was intentionally suppressed. Protests have begun outside government offices in Kolkata, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the reasons for the transfer.
“We cannot let the powerful few silence those who are working for justice,” said Ananya Sen, a local activist. “This is bigger than just these officers—it’s about ensuring that no one can manipulate the system for their own gain.”
Political analysts are also beginning to question the integrity of law enforcement in West Bengal, citing this incident as part of a larger pattern of political interference in legal matters. “This situation is symptomatic of a larger issue where powerful families use their influence to control and subvert the legal system,” said political analyst Sudip Ghosh. “The question now is whether the police can stand up to that pressure or if the system will remain complicit.”
The Way Forward Although Constable Dutta and Sergeant Banerjee have been reassigned to remote districts, sources close to the officers suggest that they are determined to continue their investigation, even if it means working through unofficial channels. Dutta and Banerjee have reportedly reached out to national investigative agencies and are considering whistleblower avenues to ensure the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, local activists and political leaders are calling for a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the officers' transfer. “If the Dhar family is truly involved in corruption, they must be held accountable,” said Mallick. “No one should be allowed to wield such power and influence over our justice system.”