The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is currently reviewing a proposal for the appointment of a new Director General of Police (DGP) for Maharashtra. The UPSC has sought clarifications from the state government, questioning the necessity of changing the current state police chief, Rajnish Seth (IPS:1989:MH), before the completion of his term. Seth, who is set to retire on December 31, was chosen by the state government as the chairperson of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) in early October.
Insiders reveal that Seth was given the option of the MPSC role to create a vacancy for senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla (IPS:1988:MH). The state government subsequently submitted a proposal to the UPSC for the appointment of a new DGP. The UPSC, in response, is preparing a panel of three officers suitable for the DGP position and will send it back to the state for selection. However, the UPSC has sought clarifications, particularly regarding the criminal charges faced by Rashmi Shukla.
Rashmi Shukla, currently serving as the DGP of the Sashastra Seema Bal, had faced several cases, including accusations of phone tapping during her tenure as the Commissioner of Intelligence of Maharashtra. Shukla, along with being wanted in these cases, sought legal relief. The UPSC has inquired about her criminal record.
The state government has responded to the UPSC, explaining that a vacancy was created by Seth’s appointment to the MPSC, and it provided details regarding the charges against Shukla. The state asserted that she now holds vigilance clearance, and all cases against her are closed.
The IPS officers on the list submitted to the UPSC are Rashmi Shukla, Sandeep Bishnoi (Chairman of Police Housing Corporation), Vivek Phansalkar (Mumbai Police Commissioner), Pradnya Sarvade (DG of Railway Police), Jaijeet Singh (Thane Police Commissioner), Sadanand Date (ATS chief), Atulchandra Kulkarni (Additional Director of NIA), and Bipin Kumar Singh (DG of State Security Corporation).
Shukla is scheduled to retire in June 2024, but if appointed as the DGP, she could serve a stipulated two-year term. Phansalkar, who will retire in April 2025, is another potential candidate. With elections approaching, the state government may lean towards appointing Shukla, given her cleared vigilance report. Phansalkar could be an alternative choice if he receives a promotion.
