IPS Sanjay Verma officially took over as the Director General of Police for Maharashtra after the Election Commission of India removed Rashmi Shukla from the position. Verma expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission for entrusting him with such a crucial responsibility and emphasized the importance of conducting free and fair elections. He stressed the need for impartiality and neutrality in the police force to ensure that the electoral process is conducted without any bias.
Verma, a 1990-batch officer who was previously serving as DG of law and Technical, is scheduled to retire in April 2028. His appointment as the new Maharashtra DGP came after complaints from political parties, including the Congress, regarding the conduct of the previous DGP, Rashmi Shukla. The Election Commission directed the Maharashtra chief secretary to transfer Shukla’s responsibilities to the next senior-most IPS officer in the cadre.
The decision to remove Shukla was prompted by allegations of bias against opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP. The Maharashtra Congress President, Nana Patole, wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, requesting Shukla’s removal due to her alleged favoritism towards certain political parties. Patole cited incidents of political violence targeting opposition leaders in the state as evidence of Shukla’s partiality.
Verma’s primary focus as the new Maharashtra DGP is to ensure that the upcoming elections in the state are conducted in a transparent and fair manner. With his extensive experience in law enforcement, Verma is dedicated to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that the electoral process is free from any external influence. His commitment to neutrality and impartiality will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral system in Maharashtra.
In addition to overseeing the election process, Verma will also work towards enhancing the overall security and safety of the state. His leadership and strategic planning will be instrumental in addressing various law enforcement challenges and maintaining public order. As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly polls, Verma’s appointment brings a sense of stability and professionalism to the state police force.
Overall, IPS Sanjay Verma’s appointment as the new Maharashtra DGP marks a significant milestone in the state’s law enforcement landscape. With a strong emphasis on integrity, fairness, and professionalism, Verma is poised to lead the police force effectively and ensure that the citizens of Maharashtra can participate in the electoral process with confidence and trust.
