Interestingly, Das was among the police officers present during Nandigram March 14 firing, which had led to the death of 14 protestors and was termed unconstitutional by the Calcutta High Court.

“Das sent a wireless message to his seniors and went on leave. He has expressed his desire to resign. Until he returns, we cannot say anything,” said Raj Kanojia, Inspector (Law & Order).

“I have heard about his message. But till now I have not received his resignation letter,” said A B Vohra, Director General of Police, West Bengal.

According to police reports, Das was posted at the Pirakata police camp in Salboni after the landmine blast Chief Minister Bhuddadeb Bhattacharjee’s convoy on November 2.

On Saturday night, however, Superintendent of Police West Midnapore Rajesh Singh ordered him to visit a police camp in Kolaimuri. Das, however, expressed his unwillingness to visit the camp, located in a remote forest. Sources said Singh warned Das that he would report the matter to higher-ups but he told the SP that he wanted to resign.

On Sunday morning, Das sent wireless message to Singh and other senior officers that he will resign if he is told to remain in Salboni.The incident has sent ripples through the state police, especially those officers posted in the Maoist-affected districts of Purulia, Bankura and West Midnapore. Many of them said it was natural for the policemen to opt out from these areas because they are working under extreme conditions.

A senior police officer posted in Salboni said: “No one knows about the working conditions in this tough terrain. The top brass just send orders and we have to follow these.” He added: “Camping in forests surrounded by hostile villagers and combating an armed Maoist force is not easy.”