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Inaugurated seven years ago, the Women Police Stations in Kolkata have been a great success in ensuring the safety and security of women in the city. Thanks to their efforts, Kolkata has become the safest city in India for the third consecutive year, as per the annual report released by the National Crime Records Bureau. Kolkata has the lowest number of cognisable offences per lakh population among all the metropolises in India.
Watgunge Women Police Station was among the first four to be established. It is situated within the same premises as the Watgunge Police Station. It is responsible for covering the entire area under the Port Division, including North Port, South Port, Watgunge, West Port, Garden Reach, Ekbalpur, Nadial, Rajabagan and Metiaburuz.
Led by Officer-in-Charge Rupa Singh, the all-female team of Watgunge Women Police Station is doing a remarkable job in fulfilling their duties as responsible police personnel.
Considering the demographics and literacy rate of the citizens living in this area of the city, the main challenge lies in the awareness perspective. According to OC Rupa Singh, “Our goal as police officers is to provide effective and smart policing with a humane approach. We have noticed that women in this area actively participate in our initiatives. We emphasise counselling in most cases of domestic disputes and misunderstandings, and we have been immensely successful in resolving these issues. However, we never compromise on the safety and security of women. This approach has been the hallmark of Team Watgunge Women Police Station.”
Rupa Singh is a 2008 batch officer who has always been known for her strict work ethic. In one of her interviews, she candidly shared about her early days in the police force. She used to live in the Hindmotor area of Hooghly and had to travel daily to and from work. None of her family members were part of the police fraternity. During the police verification process for her job, she visited a police station for the first time in her life. She had doubts about whether joining the police force was a wise decision or not. However, after 16 years of working in the Force, she believes that it was indeed the best decision of her life.
Rupa Singh became a Sub Inspector at the Amherst Street Police Station in 2009. She later worked at the Watgunge Police Station for two years until the inauguration of the Watgunge Women Police Station, where she was then transferred. Following this, she worked as a Sub Inspector at the New Market Police Station in the Central Division. In 2021, Rupa Singh was promoted to Inspector and joined the Detective Department. In 2022, she was assigned as the Officer-In-Charge of the Watgunge Women Police Station.
Rupa Singh’s experience and expertise have been honed through years of dedication and hard work. She recalled an incident from her early days at Amherst Street Police Station, where they received a missing complaint from a married woman from a nearby locality. That very evening, they found a lady roaming hopelessly on the road and later identified her as the missing woman. During her conversation with the lady, Rupa was astonished to know that the woman had earlier complained of domestic violence, but for some reason, the complaint was withdrawn afterwards. This incident came as a huge shock for Rupa and made her realise that as responsible women officers, they have enough scope to dig the truth with a humanitarian approach.
In another instance, Rupa Singh talked about how the safety of women is often associated with cybercrime. She narrated an incident from her time at Watgunge Police Station, during which, while patrolling in the early morning hours, they found an unconscious woman at an under-construction building. The lady, belonging to an underprivileged section of society, used to work as a mason. She was sexually assaulted and robbed of her mobile phone and other belongings by a man. The police did not have any lead except for her mobile phone, which was switched off for the next thirty days. On the thirty-first day, the phone started ringing, and they tracked it to Srirampur. They pursued it and eventually caught the culprit, who had sold the phone. Interestingly, the sketch of the culprit provided by the lady did not match the person who was caught. This happens when a person is traumatised. This incident was a significant lesson for Rupa Singh.
It is interesting to note that the Nayi Disha initiative implemented by the Port Division has had a positive impact on the Watgunge Women Police Station. Awareness programmes are conducted under this scheme in schools, colleges, slum areas, rickshaw stands, and other public interest areas. It has successfully educated people about child marriage, domestic violence, the importance of education, and the legal rights of citizens. It is worth mentioning that the Nayi Disha initiative was initiated under the leadership of the former DCP of Port Division, Kolkata Police, Zafar Ajmal Kidwai, IPS.
Women from local minority families have actively participated in community development projects of the Kolkata Police. Moreover, the Watgunge Red Light area has also seen a positive transformation, which can be attributed to the visible presence and professionalism of the police force.
Officer-In-Charge Rupa Singh signed off with these words, “We have been truly vigilant in the true sense of the term. Livelihood is a major area of concern for many women. We are actively working with non-profit groups to empower them. We believe that an inclusive community’s well-being is essential for progress. We can only hope that the Watgunge Women Police Station will serve as a great example for other Women Police Stations operating in the country in the coming days.”

Content curated
by Ranabir Bhattacharyya

The South Traffic Guard caters to a very vital area of Kolkata under the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police. It maintains constant liaison with the Headquarters Traffic Guard. Along with that, it is constantly in touch with the Sealdah Traffic Guard in the North; Park Circus and East Traffic Guard in the East; Bhowanipore Traffic Guard in the South and Vidyasagar Traffic Guard in the West for running day-to-day traffic and the seamless movement of vehicles.
The South Traffic Guard has been operating from its present location since 1991. Previously it used to operate from where the present South East Traffic Guard is located. Covering an estimated area of 4.02 sq km, it encompasses several historical landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial Hall, the Sahid Minar, the Asiatic Society, and the Indian Museum. The jurisdiction of the South Traffic Guard includes over ten educational institutions, multiple hospitals, and private nursing homes. With four wards of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the population density is notably high, encompassing both residential and office areas. The area is also characterised by multiple market complexes, cinema halls, theatres, art galleries, and places of worship, resulting in a consistently high volume of vehicular movement. The South Traffic Guard operates closely with several police stations, including Hastings, Maidan, Park Street, Shakespeare Sarani, Hare Street, and New Market, all falling within its geographical coverage.
Under the supervision of the Kolkata Traffic Police management, the South Traffic Guard has taken multiple steps to reduce road accidents and ease traffic congestion. Based on the road traffic statistics, accident-prone roads and black spots have been identified. To reduce traffic congestion and fatal accidents, the South Traffic Guard has taken various developmental steps. First and foremost, cutouts along the busy Jawaharlal Nehru Road have been reviewed regarding crossover. Go slow guard rails with high-quality reflectors at respective crossings have been placed to ensure pedestrian movement and reduction of vehicular traffic. Drop gates have been installed at Exide Crossing and Birla Planetarium Crossing for smooth pedestrian crossover. Additionally, RLVD (Red Light Violation Detection) Cameras with ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras have been installed at various strategic crossings under the South Traffic Guard. Speed indicator boards have been duly installed at multiple areas to create awareness among the citizens to stop incidents of overspeeding and rash driving. Speed limits have been duly notified for AJC Bose Road Flyover and the Park Street Flyovers to avoid any sort of mishaps.
Nilesh Choudhury, Officer-In-Charge, South Traffic Guard, remarked, “Our team at South Traffic Guard is dedicated to managing road traffic day and night, in the best interests of the citizens. Over the years, the volume of vehicles has significantly increased. Being a veteran in the traffic police fraternity under the Kolkata Traffic Police, we are presently using sophisticated technical gadgets for traffic management, including AI and body cameras. We conduct year-long activities and community engagement programmes to raise awareness. The ‘Safe Drive, Save Life’ campaign has been extremely instrumental in this regard. As a team, we make it a point to focus on prosecution and enforcement to ensure road safety.”
A very competent and diligent officer with many decades of experience, Nilesh Choudhury has been a stalwart in traffic policing in Kolkata Police. He has closely seen the evolution in traffic policing. In his own words,”To be a traffic police personnel is not easy. The demands of the job are hectic. But make no mistake, the job satisfaction is immense. I am proud to be an integral part of the growth of the city. We work in a closely-knitted team where the feedback of all the officers is given maximum importance. Furthermore, close coordination with all the stakeholders of the traffic ecosystem enables prior planning in traffic policing.”
Nilesh Choudhury started his policing career with the Headquarter Traffic Guard before serving in multiple capacities at the Vidyasagar Traffic Guard, Howrah Bridge Traffic Guard, Kasba Traffic Guard, and East Traffic Guard. “I am almost on the verge of completing three decades in the Kolkata Traffic Police. There are many unforgettable incidents. After the Majherhat Bridge collapse incident, the way the entire police force came together and mobilised the rescue operation remains a classical example of how our Force has excelled in all situations. We are always ready for all scenarios. The high level of preparedness makes the Kolkata Police the best one in the country,” signs off Officer-In-Charge Nilesh Choudhury, with his usual determination and spirit.
It is indeed a mammoth task for the South Traffic Guard to monitor and supervise the numerous vital installations and VVIP movement throughout the day. However, with a dedicated team comprising Inspectors, Sergeants, Assistant Sub Inspectors, Constables, Home Guards and Civic Volunteers under the leadership of the Officer-in-Charge, the South Traffic Guard has earned laurels across various quarters for its smooth functioning. We wish them all the very best in all their future endeavours in serving the citizens at large.

The Bhangar Traffic Guard is the newest addition to the Kolkata Traffic Police. It is an essential part of the newly established Bhangar Division, which marks the tenth division of the Kolkata Police.
Located at the meeting point of three districts – Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas – Bhangar occupies a unique geographical position. With its 19 Gram Panchayats, it stands out from other areas under Kolkata Police jurisdiction. Bhangar, Ghatakpukur, and nearby regions are mainly rural.
Previously, traffic enforcement in such areas was not strict. However, with the establishment of the Bhangar Traffic Guard, this is changing. By using technology and a systematic approach to law enforcement, the Kolkata Traffic Police has built a reputation as one of the country’s most technology-friendly agencies for efficient road traffic management.
The main goal of the Bhangar Traffic Guard personnel is to educate citizens about traffic rules and regulations on a large scale. Initially, they prioritised raising awareness over prosecution, approaching the issue from a humanitarian standpoint. Their efforts in traffic management in Bhangar have received widespread praise from the local community.
The Officer-In-Charge of the Bhangar Traffic Guard, Middya Imamuddin, a highly experienced individual in traffic management, stated, “It’s always a challenge to enforce traffic rules in a semi-rural area. We have received fantastic support from the citizens, who appreciate our efforts. We have distributed free helmets to those riding two-wheelers without them. We are collaborating with the Kolkata Traffic Police Department to enhance the traffic management infrastructure in the Bhangar area. Traffic signage at strategic points is already in place, and we have put up flex boards with traffic rules for mass awareness. Zebra crossings are ready for pedestrians and vehicles. Our efforts are showing immediate impact, and we are focusing on enforcement and prosecution. We are in constant communication with the local community, assuring them of assistance from the Kolkata Traffic Police.”
The Basanti Highway has been a key area of concern for road traffic management. Previously, the Kolkata Police jurisdiction covered 16 KM of the highway. An additional 11 KM has been included. Parking along the Basanti Highway is now completely prohibited to ensure smoother traffic flow.
At crucial locations like the Ghatakpukur crossing, where traffic congestion is a persistent issue, the officials of the Bhangar Traffic Guard have taken steps to address illegal parking. They have maintained ongoing coordination with local police stations to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The Bhangar Traffic Guard officials are working actively with two-wheeler showrooms to promote helmet use among buyers of new motorbikes. They are installing spring posts to enhance road safety and have introduced CCTV cameras,body cameras, and other technology-driven tools across Bhangar to achieve a more efficient and secure traffic management system.
“We are actively addressing incidents of overspeeding, illegal overtaking, riding without helmets, and running red lights, as well as other traffic violations, and taking legal action against the offenders. Those who break traffic rules will receive notifications specifying the relevant sections of the law under which they are being charged. We have relocated a bus stop that was previously situated in front of Ghatakpukur High School. Prior to the Madhyamik and Higher Secondary Examinations, we held extensive meetings with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and smooth transportation of students, guardians, and invigilators. We are also ensuring that the roads are well-illuminated. The significant changes in traffic management in the Bhangar area are clearly visible. We express our gratitude to the law-abiding citizens for their ongoing efforts to help transform Bhangar into a more traffic-friendly environment,” signed off Middya Imamuddin, OC, Bhangar Traffic Guard.
The positive and enthusiastic response from citizens has led to vehicle owners carrying their legal documents and passengers wearing seat belts in four-wheelers. Clear footpaths, free from illegal encroachments, now offer hassle-free passage for local commuters. One can only anticipate that Bhangar will soon be on par with other areas under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police. l
Narrated to:
Ranabir Bhattacharyya, Team, The Kolkata PROTECTOR.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) Amit Kumar Shaw: From Engineer to Super Cop

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC), Traffic Policing (South) Shri Amit Kumar Shaw, an erudite IPS officer, has shown how hardwork and endurance can transform life for the better.

Amit Kumar Shaw, an IPS officer, is like a character from a movie – tall, handsome, with a determined look, guided by idealism and a sense of duty for the nation. In reality, he is no different. A self-made man, IPS Amit Kumar Shaw has achieved success through hard work and commitment. In his own words, “I come from a middle-class area of Titagarh in Barrackpur. My parents, with limited exposure to education, made it a point to give me the best by other means. They got me admitted to nearby Douglas Memorial School, an English medium institution. I was never the top student, but I always gave my best.”
Preparing for the next level
After finishing school, Amit Kumar Shaw began preparing for the Joint Entrance Exam. He then enrolled at the Heritage College of Engineering, specialising in Information Technology. While in his third year of college, some of his friends encouraged him to pursue a career in civil services. “I believe that good companions can inspire you to make a big difference. I completed my engineering degree and joined Infosys, where I had a typical blue-collar job with a good salary. My parents were happy to see me settled. I moved to Chennai for work, but I felt the need to do something more and pursue my ambitions for the UPSC,” confessed IPS Amit Kumar Shaw candidly.
Leaping – A risk worth taking – The turning point
It is not easy to leave a settled corporate job, but fortune favours the brave. Amit Kumar Shaw left his job to focus completely on preparing for the Civil Services. From Chennai to Titagarh, he was back in the grind. In his first two attempts, he cleared the Preliminary rounds but did not do justice to his talent in the final round. In between, out of the blue, he cracked the WBCS examination and got the job at DSP. But God had different plans! Ultimately, even though he completed the training, he cleared the UPSC and joined the most prestigious job in the country – an IPS Officer in Civil Services. “I joined the training at Mussoorie and it was a completely different experience altogether. From day one, it was clear what the uniform wanted for me. No doubt, it was the best decision of my life to join the Civil Services,” confessed IPS Amit Kumar Shaw.
The beginning of an eventful journey
After completing the mandatory training, IPS Amit Kumar Shaw joined Cooch Behar. He then served as an ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) in the Howrah Commissionerate for two years. During this time, he demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership, particularly during challenging situations such as Cyclone Amphan and the COVID-19 pandemic. His exemplary performance made him a role model for his colleagues and subordinates. Subsequently, he was assigned as an Additional Superintendent of Police in Malda, a challenging role that he handled with competence and responsibility. Amit Kumar Shaw’s proficiency as an IPS Officer was further evident when he assumed the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Police (South) in the Kolkata Police force.
Tackling the traffic menace scientifically
“Awareness and enforcement are crucial for modern-day traffic policing. It is undeniable that road traffic in this part of southern Kolkata involves various stakeholders such as school students, cyclists, pedestrians, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, as well as buses, taxis, and other modes of transport. Our focus has been on raising awareness among all these stakeholders. For instance, delivery services like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and others benefit from minimising delivery times, highlighting the importance of awareness and the right attitude towards driving in the busiest and most congested parts of the city,” emphasised Amit Kumar Shaw.
He emphasises on the importance of reducing fatalities. Under his leadership, various awareness programmes have been conducted across different platforms to educate and make stakeholders in the road traffic ecosystem more responsible. Additionally, drivers have undergone special training sessions to be more vigilant about issues such as blind spots while driving.
Technology, the key to success along with strong resource
Kolkata Traffic Police has adopted digital measures to reduce traffic violations and increase prosecution with credible digital evidence. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed at various strategic locations to read and digitalise vehicles’ number plates in real-time. Additionally, Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras have been installed to monitor the intersection after the signal has turned red. Increasing the coverage area with more cameras and ensuring the presence of qualified traffic personnel in their designated positions is crucial. Amit Kumar Shaw emphasises the importance of preventing encroachment on the roads to maintain smooth vehicular movement.
The ultimate success mantra
“Patience, focus, note-taking, and revision – this is the simple mantra for civil service aspirants. The sincerity to work makes someone a true professional and an asset to the organisation. At the end of the day, we are serving our country in our capacity, and that itself is the biggest motivation,” signed off Deputy Commissioner of Police, IPS Amit Kumar Shaw.
(As told to Ranabir Bhattacharyya, Team, The Kolkata PROTECTOR)