Thu Oct 23 21:31:53 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article written in a style suitable for a publication like “The Hindu”:
Summary:
The Superintendent of Police in Cooch Behar, Dyutiman Bhattacharya, has been transferred to a new post following allegations of assaulting citizens, including children and women, for bursting firecrackers during Deepavali celebrations. Mr. Bhattacharya denies the assault, claiming only that his security guards intervened after repeated warnings were ignored. The incident sparked widespread condemnation from political figures and the public. Sandeep Karra has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police Cooch Behar.
News Article:
Cooch Behar SP Transferred After Firecracker Assault Allegations
Kolkata, October 24, 2025: Dyutiman Bhattacharya, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Cooch Behar, has been transferred from his post following serious allegations of assault against citizens celebrating Deepavali. The transfer, effective Thursday, comes after widespread condemnation of the alleged incident, which reportedly involved the beating of individuals, including women and children, for bursting firecrackers near Mr. Bhattacharya’s official residence on the night of October 20th.
Mr. Bhattacharya has been reassigned as the Commandant of the 3rd Battalion of the State Armed Police. Sandeep Karra has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police for Cooch Behar.
The allegations have ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing criticism from political circles. Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, publicly condemned the alleged actions, stating the SP acted in an unstable state of mind and assaulted children and a woman. Reports indicate that video footage from CCTV cameras captured a person resembling the SP wielding a stick and assaulting people.
While Mr. Bhattacharya has vehemently denied any assault, he acknowledged the late-night bursting of firecrackers caused disruption and prompted intervention by his security personnel. “We thought, this will be the end, this will be the end… but 10 pm came, 11 pm came, the power of the firecrackers did not stop. [The firecrackers] were bursting continuously till 1 am. My wife ‘counted’ and up to 60 firecrackers were burst at once. My security guards went and stopped them. No one paid any attention. However, there was no beating. My dogs were screaming and going crazy,” Mr. Bhattacharya told the media.
Sources also claim that several locals were arrested in connection with the incident but were subsequently released on bail.
The incident has prompted a probe into the conduct of law enforcement officials during the Deepavali celebrations. The transfer of Mr. Bhattacharya signals a swift response from the authorities, underlining the gravity of the allegations and the importance of upholding public trust in the police force.