The Taltala Women Police Station is one of the most important police stations in the heart of Central Kolkata. It is responsible for nine police stations in the Central Division, which include Bowbazar, Burrabazar, Girish Park, Hare Street, Jorasanko, Muchipara, New Market, Taltala, and Posta. The Station was officially inaugurated on January 13, 2017, and it has a total strength of 27 personnel.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Station, Shrinkhala Sharma, emphasised the positive impact this police station has had in the community, saying, “This police station has made a positive difference locally. Previously, women would only visit the police station during the day to file complaints. Now, they find the station to be more accessible and welcoming. This transformation has helped build the confidence of women in our society. We handle a variety of complaints, ranging from domestic violence to cybercrime, and we strive to ensure that justice is served so that they can return home with a smile.”
Shrinkhala Sharma is a seasoned and decorated police officer who joined the Force in 2004. She was born and raised in Kalimpong. Shrinkhala completed her undergraduate studies at Loreto College in Darjeeling, followed by her postgraduate degree in Siliguri. She later earned a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from Darjeeling. “Initially, I prepared for jobs related to academia. However, after the sudden loss of my mother, my perspective on life changed significantly. I decided to follow in my sister’s footsteps – that as a woman in Khaki. This decision led to a life-changing journey, and I have now completed 20 years in uniform within one of the best police forces in the world.”
After completing her 15-month training, Shrinkhala Sharma joined the South Port Police Station in 2006. A year later, she transferred to the Park Street Police Station, and then to the Beniapukur Police Station, where she served for three years. After spending five years at the Karaya Police Station, she returned to the Park Street Police Station, this time being promoted to Officer-In-Charge of the Women Grievance Cell at Lalbazar Headquarters. Following a brief tenure as the Officer-In-Charge of the Ultadanga Women Police Station, she took on the role of Officer-In-Charge at the Taltala Women Police Station.
The Formative Years
“As I am from the hills, my Bengali was not very good. Thankfully, in the Port Division, I had no trouble communicating with the Hindi-speaking population. Looking back now, I feel extremely fortunate to have joined the police service and to serve society. Initially, I was very skeptical when my sister joined the police. My first visit to a police station was when she started her career. However, as I learned more about this profession—the opportunity to listen to people’s problems, address their complaints, and help them achieve justice—I became grateful for my role in the Kolkata Police Force,” says Shrinkhala, reflecting on her commitment to the job.
Experience Working in the Women Grievance Cell
“When I began my career at a general police station, the system and environment were quite different. Over the years, it has become more accessible. At the Lalbazar Women Grievance Cell, I had the opportunity to listen to the complaints of distressed women and families in urgent need of help.
I empathised with them and provided counseling. Whether it involved abuse, torture, trauma, or violence, these experiences profoundly changed me. I handled various cases, many of them critical, and assisted the victims and their families in pursuing justice through legal channels. Overall, this experience made me more efficient, resilient, and truly dutiful in my role,” remarked Shrinkhala Sharma.
Examining the complaints received at the Taltala Women Police Station, it is evident that the demographics are similar to those in Beniapukur, Karaya, and other areas of Central Kolkata. Most registered cases involve incidents of domestic violence, rape, and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences). Women from underprivileged sections of society often approach the officials at Taltala Women Police Station in distress.
“In many instances, married women do not wish to take action against their husbands. Instead, they request us to talk to them, hoping to prevent further violence. However, these women frequently return the next morning with bruises and cuts. In such cases, we are obligated to intervene. Additionally, we receive complaints of rape, where women are given false promises of marriage that never materialise. POCSO cases involving minors are also prevalent. We are also increasingly receiving complaints regarding various forms of cybercrime affecting women,” added Shrinkhala Sharma.
Fighting the Mental Health Clock
The mental health challenges faced by men and women in uniform are ever-present. “My biggest stress reliever is my daughter. Whenever I’m home, I fully immerse myself in my role as her mother. I teach her English and Social Studies. I recently lost my pet dog, which was difficult, but when I’m with my daughter, I focus entirely on her. This certainly helps reduce my stress. When I return to my uniform, I leave everything else behind. I dive deeply into each case and make sure that I read everything thoroughly. After all, no woman comes to the police station for a casual visit; something must have happened that has troubled or distressed her. Proper investigation is our priority, and we have a duty to seek justice for the women who reach out to us for help. In this respect, I must admit that wearing the uniform offers us a unique opportunity that no other job or profession can provide,” remarks OC Shrinkhala Sharma.
“In one particularly heartbreaking case under the jurisdiction of Karaya Police Station, I had the privilege of being part of a team that rescued a young girl who had been subjected to unimaginable abuse by her own father. Along with her, we also ensured the safety of her little sister, sparing her from the same brutality. Today, I am filled with immense relief and hope as I see the girl thriving in a respected organisation, while her sister prepares with determination for her Board exams.
This experience stands as a testament to what Kolkata Police is all about – being there for our citizens, day in and day out, through both the darkest times and the brightest. It is moments like these that remind us of the power of community and the profound impact of standing together in the face of adversity. Today, we continue our work by empowering young women with self-defence workshops, because awareness and education are essential in preventing violence. Every step forward is a step toward a safer, stronger society.”
The Taltala Women Police Station operates as a united, compassionate team, wholeheartedly dedicated to serving and protecting the community. It is the goal of every team member that they can offer support and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. They also hope that Taltala will not only continue to uphold these values but will also set a benchmark for other women police stations across the country. Together, they aim to lead by example, proving that empathy, dedication, and collaboration are the pillars of effective service in law enforcement.
