The state police, which have served him a notice to resume his duties immediately, are still waiting for an answer. According to police sources, the top brass is preparing to take strong steps if Dutta fails to join duty.

“He has not asked for sick leave. We will send him more notices. If he fails to reply, action will be taken against him,” said a senior officer. Kuldip Singh, IG Western Range, said procedures will be followed in dealing with the situation.

“Next, we are going to send him a reminder. If he fails to take heed to the notices, action can be taken against him for unauthorised leave,” said a senior officer of Bengal Police.

On October 22, Dutta, who was held captive for 54 hours by armed Maoists, was released with much fanfare and media spotlight in the jungles of Lalgarh. On October 26, Manoj Verma, the police superintendent of Midnapore district, had served him a notice to join duty.

“I am yet to decide whether to join duty or even be with the force. I would not like to talk to mediapersons at this moment regarding the investigation,” said Dutta over phone to The Indian Express.

Dutta, who after his release was seen participating in various talk shows and television interviews, is now keeping to himself at his Ahiritolla residence. “Initially, it was decided that Atindranath will speak to his family and take a decision. But then he was called to Bhawani Bhavan and he decided to take some more time,” said Sanjib Dutta, Dutta’s brother-in-law. “He does not discuss things with us. He is taking his time to recuperate and we are allowing him the freedom to choose,” he added.

The investigation into the Sankrail attack, which was later taken up by CID, is also looking into the conduct of the OC during and after his release. The CID has allegedly found various loopholes in his statement.

Meanwhile, a former gram panchayat pradhan, Anil Mahato, was shot dead unidentified miscreants at Salboni in West Midnapore on Sunday. The victim, formerly with the CPM, had joined the PCAPA recently.