Mumbai, November 5: The Maharashtra government has appointed Sanjay Kumar Verma, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for the state. Verma, previously the Director General of Legal and Technical, takes over from Rashmi Shukla, following an Election Commission (EC) directive to transfer her ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

The EC ordered the replacement after opposition parties, led by the MVA alliance, accused Shukla of framing their members in false cases and tapping opposition leaders’ phones. Sanjay Kumar Verma New Maharashtra DGP: Election Commission Approves Appointment of IPS Officer As State's Director General of Police.

Who is Sanjay Kumar Verma?

Sanjay Verma is a 1990-batch IPS officer. He is currently serving as Director General of Legal and Technical. Verma, who will serve until his retirement in April 2028, was selected from a panel of three senior officers sent to the EC by Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary. His appointment comes as the state prepares for its assembly elections on November 20, with results expected on November 23. Sharad Pawar To Retire From Politics? Here Is What NCP Supremo Said  .

Known for his experience and integrity, Verma has previously led significant investigations, including heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed the 2015 killing of communist leader and rationalist Govind Pansare. His work on this high-profile case brought him considerable recognition within the law enforcement community.

Controversies Surrounding Rashmi Shukla’s Tenure

Rashmi Shukla, a 1988-batch IPS officer, became Maharashtra’s first female DGP when she was appointed in January 2024. However, her term has been marked by controversy. While serving as the state intelligence chief, she faced accusations of unauthorised phone tapping of opposition leaders, leading to two FIRs filed against her. Although the Bombay High Court later quashed these charges, opposition pressure continued, prompting the EC to order her transfer.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 05, 2024 03:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).