On Tuesday, the accomplished 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rashmi Shukla assumed the position of Director General of Police (DGP) in Maharashtra, marking a historic moment as the first female IPS officer to hold this prestigious office in the state. Prior to this appointment, Shukla, serving in the same cadre, held the position of Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal in New Delhi.
During her initial statements upon assuming office, Shukla expressed her commitment to maintaining the esteemed law and order reputation of Maharashtra. She emphasized her dedication to prioritizing the safety of women and acknowledged the evolving challenge of cybercrime, vowing to raise awareness and protect citizens from such threats.
Furthermore, Shukla outlined her vision for the Maharashtra Police, emphasizing the protection of everyone's rights within the state. Drawing on her 33 years of service, she expressed her intent to work for the welfare of the police constabulary force and the general public. Encouraging a positive start, she highlighted the pressing issue of narcotics, pledging to conduct regular meetings and prevent children from falling victim to drug addiction. Shukla aspired for Maharashtra to become the leading state in terms of safety.
Shukla's professional trajectory includes her assignment to the Central Deputation in February 2021, where she served as the Additional Director General of CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). Prior to this central assignment, Shukla held significant roles in Maharashtra, including serving as the Pune police commissioner and heading the state intelligence wing.
However, Shukla's tenure has not been without controversy. During the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, she faced three cases related to alleged illegal phone tapping of senior political leaders while heading the State Intelligence in Maharashtra. These cases involved accusations of phone tapping against figures like Sanjay Raut from the Shiv Sena, Eknath Khadse from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Nana Patole from the Congress. Shukla, though, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Two of the FIRs against her were quashed by the court last year, while the remaining case, transferred to a probe agency, has also been closed.
