Election Commission orders transfer of Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla after complaints from political parties

Mumbai: Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered the immediate transfer of State Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla following complaints from political parties, including Congress party.

Sources in the CS office at Mantralaya said, the EC directed the Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to hand over Rashmi Shukla's charge to the next senior-most IPS officer with immediate effect and send the names of three seniormost police officials by Tuesday to be shortlisted as the next state police chief.

The Opposition, led by the Congress, had alleged that the senior IPS officer was biased towards the ruling Mahayuti alliance and that fair polls wouldn't be possible if she was in the top post.

During the review meetings and announcement of Assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had warned officials to be impartial and fair and ensure that they are perceived as non-partisan in conducting their duties.