The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday (November 4, 2024) ordered the transfer of Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla with immediate effect, weeks before Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in the State. Maharashtra goes to polls on November 20.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar was given the additional charge of Maharashtra DGP by the State government, a senior official said.
According to sources, the EC ordered the transfer of Ms. Shukla following complaints from Congress and other parties.
The poll body had directed the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to hand over Ms. Shukla’s charge to the next senior most IPS officer in the cadre. The Chief Secretary has also been directed to send a panel of three IPS officers by November 5 for appointment as DGP Maharashtra, the sources added.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had earlier during the review meetings and announcement of Assembly elections in the State warned officials to not only be impartial and fair but also perceived to be non-partisan in their conduct while carrying out their duties. On October 29, Mr. Kumar had expressed concern over politically motivated crimes in Maharashtra and asked DGP Shukla to ensure a strict clampdown on such incidents.
It might be recalled that the recent killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique had led to a political furore in the State. Siddique was shot dead by three gunmen in Bandra East on October 12.
Published - November 04, 2024 12:27 pm IST
