Remembering Kishore Kunal: The IPS Officer Who Took on Bihar’s Infamous Bobby Case

Patna: Former IPS officer and philanthropist Kishore Kunal, who passed away on Sunday morning due to cardiac arrest, left a remarkable mark during his tenure as an IPS officer. Originally a Gujarat cadre officer, Kunal took charge as SP of Patna in the 1980s. Among the many challenges he faced, the infamous Bobby murder case stands out as a defining chapter of his career, intertwining crime, politics, and social scandal.

Bobby, whose real name was Shwetanisha, was murdered in an incident that shocked Bihar and created a political storm reaching Delhi. The case emerged soon after Kishore Kunal became the SP of Patna. Although there were clues and evidence, identifying the culprit seemed impossible at first. Kunal, determined to uncover the truth, made swift progress, setting new standards for police investigations.

Upon learning about the case through newspaper reports, Kunal immediately registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case. This led to the exhumation of Bobby’s body from the graveyard for a post-mortem. The speed and determination of the investigation captured public attention, and many in Bihar admired Kunal’s resolve. Despite resistance from senior officers, Kunal continued to pursue the truth.

The gravity of the case even drew the attention of then Chief Minister late Jagannath Mishra. When the CM inquired about the matter, Kunal reportedly warned him of the potential political fallout, indicating the sensitive nature of the case. Mishra, acknowledging the risks, refrained from further involvement.

Kunal’s meticulous investigation revealed that Shwetanisha’s death was not an accident or suicide but a deliberate murder. He uncovered testimony from Bobby’s alleged mother, who detailed how and when the victim was poisoned. The findings were so impactful that even the Chief Secretary appreciated Kunal’s efforts. However, mounting political pressure from ministers and MLAs forced the government to hand the case over to the CBI.

Despite the CBI declaring the accused innocent and the case remaining officially unresolved, Kunal’s work highlighted the capability of dedicated police officers. His determination and unconventional methods, like exhuming a body to gather evidence, continue to inspire discussions about his legacy.