Ranabir Bhattacharyya, Team Protector.
Established in 1888, Burtolla Police Station stands as one of the oldest police stations in India, a sentinel of justice woven into the rich cultural tapestry of the North and North Suburban Division of the Kolkata Police Force. Nestled at 1, Raja Rajkrishna Street, this historic institution is more than just a law enforcement hub -it is a testament to the enduring values of duty, discipline, and dedication. With its red-bricked façade and towering watchtowers, remnants of the British era, Burtolla Police Station seamlessly bridges the past with the present, preserving tradition while embracing modern efficiency.
Guardians of the City
Spanning an estimated area of 1.471786 sq. km, Burtolla Police Station is home to a formidable team of officers committed to maintaining peace and order. The Force includes two Inspectors, twelve Sub-Inspectors, one Lady Sub-Inspector, two Sergeants, seventeen Assistant Sub-Inspectors, three Assistant Sub-Inspectors, forty-nine Constables, seven Lady Constables, thirteen Home Guards, thirty Civic Volunteers, and eighteen Lady Civic Volunteers – each playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the community.
Community Policing
At Burtolla Police Station, law enforcement goes beyond crime prevention. Various community outreach initiatives, such as Pronam (dedicated to senior citizens), regular health checkups, puja parikrama, and emergency medical assistance, have strengthened the bond between the police and the people. The Nabadisha Project, a Kolkata Police initiative aimed at uplifting underprivileged children, provides private tuition to around thirty students from Pre-Primary to Class V. Additionally, the Station recently hosted the 1187th Blood Donation Camp, an integral part of Utsarga, a flagship initiative of the Community Policing Wing of Kolkata Police, promoting voluntary blood donation, was held at the Burtolla Police Station ground.
The Man Behind the Badge: Subarna Dutta Chaudhuri
Officer-In-Charge (OC) Subarna Dutta Chaudhuri embodies the spirit of service and resilience. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “This area is a living testament to North Kolkata’s heritage. The warmth of the people here is unmistakable. From bustling markets and metro stations to hospitals and educational institutions, Burtolla is a manifestation of Kolkata’s vibrant life.”
Speaking about his journey as a police officer, he shared, “I am the first in my family to join the police force. I completed my schooling at Julian Day, Ganganagar, and later pursued a degree in Zoology from Jaipuria College. Since childhood, I had dreamed of joining the Indian Army. Incidentally, my family runs a solicitor firm, and I also completed my LLB. Being an only child, I had one condition—I would stay in Kolkata with my parents. In 1996, my dream came true when I joined the Kolkata Police, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.”
Incidentally, Subarna Dutta Chaudhuri began his journey in uniform at Tangra Police Station before being transferred to Phoolbagan Police Station.
He then had a brief tenure at the State Vigilance Commission, followed by successive postings at Shakespeare Sarani and Bhawanipur Police Stations. As a Second Officer, he was assigned to Burtolla Police Station, where he served until 2014. After a three-month stint at Lake Police Station, he spent two and a half years at Kasba Police Station. As Officer-in-Charge, he led West Port, followed by postings at Tiljala and Ultadanga, before ultimately taking charge as the OC of this historic police station.
Trials, Triumphs and an Unwavering Resolve
“There are some incidents that remain etched in our memories. During my first stint at Burtolla Police Station, a robust man was found dead in a brothel in Sonagachi. One of our departmental colleagues was tasked with investigating the mysterious death. Three months later, the post-mortem report revealed that the man had died by manual strangulation. Interestingly, the deceased had a live-in partner, a thin and frail-looking woman, who was with him on that tragic day. Circumstantial evidence pointed to her as the possible suspect. However, concrete proof was necessary to present to the court. It is known that a person is most vulnerable during sexual intimacy. If someone is strangled during such an intimate moment, death can occur almost instantly.” This entire incident and the method of operation truly underscored the medico-legal expertise of the Officer in Charge (OC).
The highly publicised RG Kar incident caused significant stress for all of us involved. We faced strong criticism, but the most challenging aspect was the social ostracisation we endured, which was truly unimaginable. I live in Salt Lake, and whenever someone passes away in our community, I make sure that all necessary arrangements are handled appropriately. However, after this incident and the ensuing protests, our community became divided. It was an unpleasant experience that we did not deserve. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced physical segregation as a frontline worker. Yet this time, many of my acquaintances turned against me simply because I am a police representative. That was shocking, to say the least. My daughters, who were still in school and college, also went through a tumultuous time as they were not spared from the backlash. This was especially painful for me. I am very grateful for my school friends who stood by me through thick and thin. I can only say that as a member of a law enforcement agency, we must exercise patience during these times. We work tirelessly in accordance with the law, and I truly believe that truth will prevail. I also believe that, ultimately, time will heal everything,” remarked the veteran police officer.
An Officer with an Unyielding Spirit
Subarna Dutta Chaudhuri has been recognised with numerous awards throughout his distinguished career. With strong credentials in medico-legal matters, he has been instrumental in solving complex cases, earning widespread praise for his investigative breakthroughs. His academic foundation in Zoology, coupled with further studies in Physiology and human anatomy, has provided invaluable insights for the Department in critical investigations.
A marksman of exceptional calibre, he is regarded as one of the finest shooters in the police fraternity, having won three gold medals and four silver medals while representing the Kolkata Police. He was honoured with the Seva Padak in 2011 and the Bravery Award in 2021 for his dedication and service.
One of the most defining moments of his career was the West Port incident, where he sustained severe injuries in the line of duty. Recalling the harrowing experience, he shared:
“In 2021, a dacoity on the Garden Reach Flyover became a major concern for us. A gang had brutally assaulted a man and fled with ₹4 Lakhs. At West Port Police Station, we had a dedicated team determined to bring them to justice. We hunted them down and were able to identify the suspects. Two days after this incident, on June 29, as we were doing a thorough check on the same flyover, three individuals on three motorcycles attempted a similar tactic. We went in hot pursuit after them. At one point, I became separated from my team and managed to grab hold of one of the bikers. However, this suspect on a Royal Enfield accelerated, causing me to lose balance and crash onto the road, with blood pouring out from my wounds.
Despite my condition, I managed to note down the number plate details before reaching Garden Reach State General Hospital. Doctors confirmed a severe hand fracture, necessitating an emergency operation at a private hospital, where the Department ensured I received the best possible care.
It was the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the private nursing home felt like something out of a horror story. However, within my capacity as a police officer, I extended help to the COVID patients around me. Since I was not a COVID patient, I was allowed to keep my mobile phone, and I used it to the best of my ability to assist others. I was finally discharged on July 7. That experience changed me forever.”
While Burtolla has long dealt with the challenges of its red-light district, the rise of cybercrime presents a new frontier of challenge to the police. The police station remains proactive, engaging with citizens, especially the elderly, through digital awareness programmes and WhatsApp groups. The Station’s recent swift action in the heinous case of a seven-month-old baby’s assault epitomises their relentless pursuit of justice.
Leaving a Legacy
As he nears his 30th year in service, Subarna Dutta Chaudhuri remains unwavering in his belief: “You can do all the good things in police uniform.” His journey is not just one of duty but of inspiration-proof that true leadership is defined by courage, compassion, and an unbreakable commitment to justice.
