Former Kolkata Police commissioner Tushar Kanti Talukdar, who served from 1992 to 1996, passed away at the age of 85 following a prolonged kidney-related ailment. He was admitted to a hospital in south Kolkata on Sunday after experiencing breathlessness. Talukdar’s tenure as the commissioner of police was marked by several major incidents that had a lasting impact on Bengal politics. One notable event was the firing at a Youth Congress rally in 1993, when he was the police chief. Another incident was the explosion at an ammunition dump in Bowbazar in the same year, which marked the city’s first brush with RDX.

Talukdar, an alumnus of Jagabandhu Institution and RKM Vidyamandira, Belur, began his career as an IPS officer in 1962. He retired in 1996 as Kolkata Police CP. Known for his Marxist influence and admiration for Jean-Paul Sartre, Talukdar enjoyed the confidence of then chief minister Jyoti Basu. He was regarded as an outstanding and inclusive police officer who believed in giving young officers enough freedom to make them responsible. Talukdar’s political views did not interfere with his policing decisions.

Talukdar’s health deteriorated during his time at the hospital, with dropping blood pressure and acute tubular necrosis, a severe kidney disorder caused by chronic kidney disease. Despite attempts to conduct an angioplasty, his condition worsened, leading to a cardiac arrest. He could not be revived and passed away on Tuesday.

Talukdar’s demise is a significant loss for the Kolkata Police and the state of West Bengal. His contributions as the commissioner of police and his impact on Bengal politics will be remembered.