Mumbai, Jan 3: Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra’s first woman Director General of Police (DGP), retired on Saturday after completing 37 and a half years of service in the Indian Police Service, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning key policing and central security assignments.
A 1988-batch IPS officer, Ms. Shukla was accorded a Guard of Honour at her farewell ceremony held at the Naigaon Police Ground in Bhoiwada. The parade was attended by several senior officers, including Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Ms. Shukla described her retirement as an emotional moment. “After having served for 37 and a half years, I am retiring from the Indian Police Service. I feel nostalgic,” she said.
Reflecting on her tenure, she credited the collective efforts of officers and personnel for strengthening the force. “Maharashtra Police gave me so much, and I have learnt a lot. Everyone worked like a team to take Maharashtra Police to newer heights,” she said, adding that she was satisfied with her service and wished good health and a fulfilling life for all police officials and staff.
Asked about her experience as Maharashtra’s first woman DGP, Ms. Shukla said the position was gender-neutral and the nature of work remained the same. She also recalled her earlier role as Director General of the Shastra Seema Bal (SSB), saying she was proud of that assignment.
Senior IPS officer Sadanand Date has been appointed as the new Director General of Police of Maharashtra. Widely known as a “26/11 hero” for his role during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Mr. Date previously served as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and was recently repatriated to the Maharashtra cadre.
Mr. Date, who was present at Ms. Shukla’s farewell ceremony, is expected to formally take charge later in the day, ushering in a new chapter in the leadership of the Maharashtra Police.
