West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Monday issued a strong defence of the police following an encounter in the North Dinajpur district, where the accused in the rape and murder of a minor was killed in retaliatory police firing.

Addressing the political uproar triggered by the incident, Adhikari, who also holds the state’s Home portfolio, said, “If someone tries to kill the police, will the police throw rasgullas? Is it the police’s job to keep guns in their pockets? The police have dealt with it in accordance with the law. The police were attacked, and the police did what they had to do.”

The incident follows similar recent encounters in Baruipur, Gaighata, and Dhulian. Adhikari directed the police to take independent action in cases of crimes against women and children.

“In our West Bengal, if there is rape, murder, or any atrocity against our sisters and daughters, there will be justice. We have given the police a free hand. They will do whatever is necessary.…