DSP Richa Ghosh begins duty with West Bengal police as ACP Siliguri

India’s newly crowned World Cup winner, Richa Ghosh, officially joined the West Bengal Police as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who played a crucial role in India’s maiden Women’s World Cup win, has been appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the Siliguri Commissionerate. 

Richa’s appointment was announced earlier by the West Bengal government as a gesture of recognition for her contributions to India’s historic Women’s World Cup title win. The state had honoured her soon after the tournament, praising both her on-field excellence and the pride she brought to Bengal by becoming the first cricketer from the state to lift a World Cup trophy.

Richa reported for duty at Bhabani Bhavan, where she met State Police Director General Rajiv Kumar and received her official uniform. The West Bengal Police posted images and videos of her induction.

CM Mamata Banerjee announces cricket stadium to be named after Ghosh

In the World Cup, Ghosh scored 235 runs in eight innings at an average of 39.16 and a strike rate above 133. Her important knocks, including 94 against South Africa and a 34 in the final, played an important role in India’s title run. Her contributions behind the stumps and her power-hitting under pressure were widely praised, earning her joint-most sixes (12) in a single edition of the tournament, alongside Deandra Dottin.

Celebrations followed across Bengal after India’s win. Richa was felicitated by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) at Eden Gardens in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CAB President Sourav Ganguly. She received the Banga Bhushan award, a golden bat and ball, and prize money of INR 34 lakh. The Chief Minister also personally handed her the DSP appointment letter and later announced that a cricket stadium would be built in her name on 27 acres of land in Siliguri’s Chandmani Tea Estate.