Sanjay Verma has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for Maharashtra, taking over from Rashmi Shukla. Verma, an IPS officer from the 1990 batch, will be stepping into this role following multiple complaints and controversies surrounding Shukla, who was removed from her position after pressure from opposition parties.
Shukla, who belonged to the 1988 batch, had faced criticism for her tenure, which included allegations of phone tapping and ordering fresh telephone tapping. The state government initially placed her on leave before ultimately deciding to remove her from the position. The Election Commission formalized Verma’s appointment, and government orders are expected to follow soon.
The decision to appoint Verma as the new DGP came after sustained pressure from the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, led by Sharad Pawar. Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik submitted a panel of three IPS officers, including Verma, to the Election Commission for consideration. The accusations against Shukla led to a united front from opposition parties, with Nana Patole and Sanjay Raut raising concerns about politically motivated crimes in the state.
During a recent law and order review, Election Commission Chief Commissioner Rajiv Kumar expressed concerns about the impact of these crimes on the electoral atmosphere. He directed Shukla to implement strict measures to address the issue and ensure a level playing field for all parties. This intervention by the Election Commission is not unprecedented in Maharashtra, as similar actions were taken in the past during election periods.
Verma’s appointment as the new DGP marks a significant change in leadership for the police force in Maharashtra. As he takes on this role, he will be expected to address the challenges facing law enforcement and work towards maintaining peace and order in the state. His experience as an IPS officer and background in legal and technical matters will be valuable assets as he navigates the responsibilities of this position.
Overall, the appointment of Sanjay Verma as Maharashtra’s new police chief signifies a new chapter for law enforcement in the state. With a fresh perspective and a commitment to upholding the law, Verma has the opportunity to make a positive impact and lead the police force towards a more secure and just future for Maharashtra.
