The Maharashtra government has appointed Sanjay Verma, the state’s Director General (Legal and Technical), as the new Director General of Police (DGP), following the removal of Rashmi Shukla. The Election Commission formally confirmed the appointment, with government orders expected to be issued shortly.
The appointment of Sanjay Verma comes after a period of uncertainty, during which 1989 batch IPS officer Vivek Phansalkar, the current Mumbai Police Commissioner, had been appointed as the interim DGP. The Maharashtra government had earlier submitted a list of three senior IPS officers – Ritesh Kumar, Sanjay Verma, and Vivek Phansalkar – for the Election Commission’s consideration for the permanent DGP post. Following a review, Verma’s appointment was finalized, signaling a shift in the leadership of the state’s police force.
Sanjay Verma, an IPS officer of the 1990 batch, will take over from Rashmi Shukla, who was removed amid multiple controversies, including allegations of illegal telephone tapping. Shukla, an officer from the 1988 batch, was initially placed on leave after facing severe criticism, but her removal comes after sustained pressure from opposition parties, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar.
Controversy Surrounding Rashmi Shukla’s Tenure
Rashmi Shukla’s tenure as the Maharashtra DGP has been marred by accusations, including three FIRs related to the illegal interception of phone calls of several politicians. State Congress chief Nana Patole recently accused Shukla of ordering fresh phone tapping, which intensified the controversy. The allegations against Shukla also stemmed from her previous role as the head of the State Intelligence Department, which drew heavy criticism.
Shukla was later transferred to the Centre as the Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in a move seen as a way to distance her from the ongoing controversy. However, the latest round of accusations from Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut prompted further scrutiny of her actions.
Pressure from Opposition and Election Commission’s Intervention
The move to replace Shukla comes after mounting pressure from the opposition parties, including the Congress and NCP, who have been vocal in their criticism. Sharad Pawar, NCP (SP) leader, emphasized the unusual situation of a unified opposition accusing a top police officer, signaling the gravity of the matter.
Election Commission sources revealed that during a recent review of the law and order situation in Maharashtra, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar expressed concern over politically motivated crimes in the state. Kumar instructed Shukla to take stronger actions to curb such activities, warning that they were undermining the electoral process. The EC’s directive highlighted the need to ensure a level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming elections.
The Road Ahead
Sanjay Verma’s appointment marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s policing leadership. As an experienced officer with a long-standing career in law enforcement, Verma is expected to bring a new approach to tackling the challenges facing the state, especially regarding law and order issues in the run-up to elections.
This move is not unprecedented, as the Election Commission has historically intervened in Maharashtra’s policing matters during election periods. In 2009, for example, then-DGP A N Roy was asked to step aside, with IPS officer S Chakravarthi appointed as the DGP due to controversies surrounding Roy’s tenure.
With Verma now in charge, the state government and the Election Commission will be keenly watching how he handles the politically charged atmosphere in Maharashtra leading up to the upcoming elections.
