Historic Milestone: Rashmi Shukla Appointed Maharashtra’s First Female DGP
Rashmi Shukla Creates History as Maharashtra’s First Female DGP
In a groundbreaking move, Maharashtra witnessed a historic moment on January 5, as Rashmi Shukla, a distinguished 1988-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the state’s first female Director General of Police (DGP).
Shukla, who had previously served on central deputation as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal, now steps into the role, succeeding Rajnish Seth, who retired on December 31, 2023.
Temporary Charge by Mumbai Police Commissioner
Before Shukla officially assumed her new position, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar temporarily held the additional charge.
The 58-year-old IPS officer is set to lead the police force until her retirement in July 2024, marking a significant stride for gender diversity in the law enforcement sector.
A Trailblazing Career
Rashmi Shukla’s journey to becoming the DGP is marked by a series of noteworthy appointments. Notably, she served as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal, a Central Armed Police Force responsible for guarding the Indo-China border, starting from March 2023.
Prior to that, in February 2021, Shukla held the position of Additional Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Her illustrious career includes being honored with the President Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005.
However, Shukla’s tenure as the Commissioner of Police in Pune was not without controversy. Accusations of phone-tapping during her leadership at the State Intelligence Department (SID) stirred a political storm.
Controversies Surrounding Phone-Tapping Allegations
While heading the SID, Shukla faced accusations of clandestinely tapping the phones of Opposition coalition leaders within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
The controversy erupted during Devendra Fadnavis’s tenure as the Chief Minister, with Shukla accused of tapping the phones of key figures including Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, and NCP leader Eknath Khadse.
Subsequently, Shukla was swiftly transferred from her post as the SID chief to Civil Defence. However, in a significant turn of events in September 2023, the Bombay High Court quashed two FIRs registered against her in Pune and South Mumbai, providing a legal vindication to her name.
A Dual Legacy: Shukla and IPS Nina Singh
In the same week, IPS Nina Singh from the Rajasthan cadre made history by becoming the first female officer to head the Central Industry Security Forces. Both Shukla and Singh’s accomplishments stand as beacons, paving the way for increased representation of women in key leadership roles within the police force.
Rashmi Shukla’s appointment as Maharashtra’s first female DGP not only signifies a personal achievement but also exemplifies a broader stride towards gender inclusivity in law enforcement agencies across the country.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The shethepeople
