In a notable administrative shift, 1990-batch IPS officer Sanjay Kumar Verma has been appointed as Maharashtra’s new Director General of Police (DGP), succeeding IPS Rashmi Shukla. The Election Commission removed Shukla from the position following a complaint by the Congress, claiming a bias that could impact upcoming assembly elections.
Who is IPS Sanjay Verma?
Sanjay Verma, currently Director General of Legal and Technical in Maharashtra, is well-regarded in law enforcement. With a service record that includes spearheading advancements in forensic infrastructure, Verma deployed over 260 forensic vans staffed with approximately 2,200 scientists across Maharashtra to support crime detection. His tenure in this technical and forensic role is marked by substantial upgrades in evidence collection and crime scene management. Verma is set to retire in April 2028.
The Election Commission’s Decision
Shukla’s removal was prompted by the Election Commission after Congress voiced concerns over her alleged bias in favor of the Mahayuti alliance, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Congress leader Nana Patole expressed appreciation for the commission’s swift response, yet requested that Shukla not be assigned to any influential post during the election period. This move echoes previous interventions by the Election Commission in Maharashtra, such as the replacement of then-DGP A N Roy in 2009 under similar political pressures.
Allegations of Bias
Shukla, who retired in June but was granted an extension by the state government, faced allegations of partiality toward the ruling Mahayuti. The Congress, led by Patole, argued that her presence could compromise the fairness of the upcoming polls. On October 31, Patole sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding her removal to ensure unbiased elections.
With Verma’s appointment, the state’s law enforcement leadership sees a fresh face ahead of the November 20 assembly elections. The Election Commission and state officials hope this transition will pave the way for a transparent and impartial electoral process.