Mumbai: A simmering power tussle between two senior IPS officers — one of the rank of Inspector General (IG) and the other a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) — has reportedly disrupted the functioning of a key police vertical within the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.
According to highly placed sources, the two officers, who were recently posted to the same wing, have not been on the same page since the day of their joint assignment, creating confusion and operational difficulties for their subordinates.
Orders and Counter-Orders: A Daily Tug of War
Insiders reveal that the feud has taken a toll on workflow.
“While one officer gives an order, the other immediately shoots it down,” said a senior police source, describing the atmosphere as tense and demoralising.
The conflicting directives have left junior officers caught in the crossfire, unsure which instructions to follow. Many within the department are hoping for intervention from higher-ups to restore clarity and discipline.
Impact on Departmental Efficiency
The friction has reportedly slowed down decision-making within the unit, affecting coordination on key cases and operational plans.
A senior official admitted, “This kind of situation hurts morale. Juniors are hesitant to act because they fear reprisal from either side.”
Officials at the state police headquarters are said to be aware of the issue, though no formal resolution has yet been announced.
Exit After a Long Wait: Senior Official Quits Ajit Pawar’s Office
In another development, a senior bureaucrat attached to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s office has decided to step down after just a few months of joining.
Sources indicate that the officer had not been assigned any significant responsibility, which left him frustrated over what he perceived as a waste of productive service years. The officer is now awaiting a fresh posting and is expected to be reassigned shortly.
A Larger Pattern?
Observers note that both incidents — the IPS standoff and the bureaucratic exit — underline recurring issues in administrative management within the Maharashtra government setup, where power overlaps and unclear responsibilities often lead to friction between senior officials.
