KOLKATA: The Kolkata Mounted Police that began its journey in 1840 with two sowars (riders) and turned into a full fledged unit two years later is finally set to open its doors to people, including tourists in the city.
Following the ambitious plan drawn up by the police commissioner Soumen Mitra, the unit is all set to have a museum that will display its rich history in the past 181 years. Currently, the unit has 75 horses under its command.
The Kolkata Police has its own museum in north Kolkata that houses priceless weapons and documents, including those on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. “There are certain plans regarding the new venture and experts have been roped in by Lalbazar for the purpose. Our aim is to show why and how the unit was created by the British in 1840 and to highlight the work we have done so far. The main work began in 1842 when the patrolling duty of the Maidan was assigned to the Kolkata Police — a duty that we still carry out every morning and evening. Besides being the main response team in and around Maidan, the unit has played a major role in controlling city traffic in the European quarters during the British period. Our role during the Maidan football duels is also recorded in history. Rare photographs in our archive have been scanned and some horses that have won laurels on behalf of Kolkata Police will find a mention in the museum. All the uniforms, including those for special occasions, will also be put on display. An expert has already visited us and has chosen some rare photographs that he wishes to exhibit,” said an officer.
The officer said that a special installation — a cop riding a horse — will come up at the unit’s office and the stable located beside the DCP Central office on SN Banerjee Road. “The installation has arrived and the statue will be unveiled soon. The initial plans are to design the main gate resembling horse hoofs. We have already renovated three rooms on the ground floor and we will choose one as the main display room. The attempt is to ensure that we make an identity of our own,” said the officer.
The museum will also be showcasing the training of these horses.
Cops expect to throw open the facility in phases. “While we had planned August 15 for the unveiling of the statue, we are pushing it to complete some renovation work. The earliest date might be around Pujas or we might complete the entire set up and open towards the end of this year,” he said.
