Rashmi Shukla front runner for coveted post of DGP Maharashtra

MUMBAI

Maharashtra Director General Rajneesh Seth is about to retire. In such a situation, the government is making its list regarding the next Director General. Rashmi Shukla, a 1988 batch IPS officer, is being named as the next DGP in Maharashtra. However, Shukla›s previous role as state intelligence commissioner was controversial due to allegations of phone tapping. Other contenders for the post include Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar. It is expected that the Home Department will send a list of candidates to the Union Public Service Commission for consideration. According to sources, Seth is set to become the chairman of the Public Service Commission, while Shukla, a 1988 batch officer, is scheduled to retire in June 2024. According to sources, once Seth assumes his new charge, the government may appoint Shukla as the state police chief. He will be brought from Sashastra Seema Bal, where he is the Director General.

Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar is also a strong contender for the post of police chief. Chief secretary Manoj Saunik chaired a meeting last week when three names were shortlisted and sent to chief minister Eknath Shinde. Officials said Seth›s name was at the top of the list. One of the other names was that of retired Additional Chief Secretary JP Gupta. State secretariat officials said that Kulkarni and Rajya Suraksha Seth can serve as MPSC chairman till the age of 62 and DG Bipin of the Corporation. The Home Department is expected to send a list of potential candidates for the top job in the state police to the Union Public Service Commission, which shortlists three potential chiefs, the state government will choose one of them as the next Director General of Police.