Facebook support is building up for Birbhum superintendent of police (SP) Rishikesh Meena, who had been asked to go on leave by an administration whose position on his role in Tuesday's land-related violence is unclear.
He has received messages of solidarity from a cross-section of people.
"From newspaper and TV reports it is clear that you have been made a scapegoat. I am afraid you may be ordered for compulsory waiting. An IPS officer is an asset in our country. I was a small officer of the government of India, (and) retired in 2005," posted Susanta Kumar Chatterjee, a retired central government employee.
A post by Anirban Banerjee read, "Sir, you fight with (sic) the system...we are helpless, can't do anything to help you...but support you sir...cause we know when you are harassed by government means you are doing some good to nation."
Hasna Imam wrote: "We will miss you badly sir …"
District police officials told HT Meena had created the account (Rishikesh Meena IPS) to keep in touch with the common people.
West Bengal industry minister Partha Chatterjee had reportedly directed Meena to intervene in the land dispute.
And, though she transferred Meena, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had praised the police for their handling of the conflict with the villagers.