The road leading from the north-east corner of B.B.D. Bagh to Bowbazar was earlier known as ‘Avenue to the eastward’. It was also known as the Great Bungalo Road. In 1768, it was said to be the best street in Kolkata. The modern police office was the residence of John Palmer, one of the merchant princes of Kolkata. Earlier to that it was said to be ‘an old ruin of a house, formerly the residence of some native.’ The house next to it was the Harmonic Tavern, the handsomest house in its day and pulled down long back.
Punishment in old Kolkata was often done by hanging. There was a gibbet at the crossing of Lalbazar and Chitpore Road (now Rabindra Sarani).
Text by D K Guha
Some 25 students and 5 teachers from three Kolkata schools assembled at the entrance of the imposing Lal Bazar Police Headquarters at around 10.30 am. Ready to greet them warmly at the gates of what is otherwise an off-limits complex were courteous police officers who guided them into the red brick building.

The tour commenced with a visit to the control room – described as the “nerve centre” of Kolkata Police. A giant video wall displayed high resolution imaging of multiple feeds capturing different areas of Kolkata resembling scenes from a sci-fi movie. The vigilant officers, stationed around their consoles, monitored every corner of the bustling metropolis, providing a reassuring experience. A segment of the video wall focused on various metro stations, underscoring the importance of constant preparedness during rush hour. The Officer In Charge explained the meticulous monitoring and assessment of crowd movement.

In an adjacent building, the students entered the Traffic Police Control Centre, featuring a spectacular curvilinear video wall displaying live images of familiar streets. Dozens of officers monitored VIP movements, processions, and activities around significant places like schools and colleges.
We visited the DIAL 100 section
The tour continued to the Cyber Police Station in another Lal Bazar building. Officers stressed the importance of online safety, covering topics from strong passwords to avoiding cyber threats. Questions about the dark web and responses to cyber attacks were addressed.
When the group gathered in the large conference room, they were pleasantly surprised to be offered a pack of refreshments, adding a delightful touch to their experience. Engaging audio-visual presentations covered the history of policing in Kolkata, from the 18th century to the present. Different vignettes showcased various police departments, from the bomb disposal squad to the river police. The AV on the Kolkata Police Training School, housed in the heritage Dalanda House, provided insightful information.
A police van transported the students to the Kolkata Police Museum at APC Roy Road, offering an immersive experience. Located in the former residence of Raja Ram Mohun Roy, the exhibits ranged from pre-Independence firearms to police medals, depicting the evolution of the police force. Rare photographs, information about notorious crimes, and declassified files on Netaji added depth to the museum’s offerings.

 

As the insightful tour concluded, the students and teachers left the Lal Bazar Police Headquarters with a deeper appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the Kolkata Police, gaining a firsthand understanding of their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the vibrant city