In a historic move, the Maharashtra government has appointed Rashmi Shukla, a seasoned 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the state’s Director General of Police (DGP). Shukla’s elevation marks a significant milestone, making her the first woman to assume the top police post in Maharashtra.
This appointment comes as Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar holds additional charge as the DGP following the retirement of Rajnish Seth on December 31. Shukla’s new role as Maharashtra DGP follows her tenure as the Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the central police force stationed along the Nepal border, where she was appointed in March last year.
Despite approaching the age of 60 in June, Shukla is anticipated to serve a two-year term, showcasing confidence in her leadership abilities within the police force.
However, Rashmi Shukla’s previous tenure as the State Intelligence Commissioner faced controversy, notably concerning accusations of unauthorized phone tapping of opposition leaders during the Devendra Fadnavis-led government between 2014 and 2019. The controversy led to FIRs being filed against her when the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi assumed power.
Among the cases filed, one involved the alleged leaking of a classified report authored by Shukla. This report purportedly contained sensitive information about individuals acting as middlemen in facilitating transfers and securing postings for senior police officers through political connections. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluded its investigation into this case in August last year.
Furthermore, two other cases related to phone tapping accusations against political figures, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Nationalist Congress Party leader Eknath Khadse, and Congress leader Nana Patole, were filed against Shukla. However, the Bombay High Court dismissed these cases in September last year.
Shukla’s ascent to the position of Maharashtra DGP not only marks a significant moment for women in law enforcement but also underlines her extensive experience and leadership in the field, despite the controversies shadowing her previous tenure.
Sources By Agencies