West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today asked the police to use tact to deal with situations instead of resorting to lathis and bullets. "We have to learn to be tactful and do away with lathis and bullets," Banerjee said at the Kolkata Police's Investiture Ceremony. Coming just a few hours after some policemen beat up some television journalists in front of a nursing home,the Chief Minister said both the media and the police need each other. "There must be understanding between the media and the police,one cannot do without the other," Banerjee said in her speech which was followed by an ceremonial parade. The Chief Minister,who also holds the Home (police) portfolio,said she has already ordered the suspension of the erring officer,who has been accused of highhandedness. Banerjee had recently said after two women died in police firing at Mograhat in South 24 Parganas district that the police should exercise utmost restraint before using force. There was cheer for the police force as Banerjee announced that prize money for awards would be hiked to more than double from next year. The best policeman would get Rs 50,000 instead of Rs 20,000,the second best would get Rs 25,000 up from Rs 10,000 and those receiving Seva medal would get Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000.
