Maharashtra’s first woman DGP Rashmi Shukla retires after 37 years of controversy and reform

From phone-tapping scandals to election transfers, her career mirrored Maharashtra’s political storms. Now, a trailblazer’s turbulent tenure comes to a close.

, and Administrator

2026 January 3 . 11:21 PM

1 min read

In this image there are two women walking on the road. The woman at the left side is holding a pink... — In this image there are two women walking on the road. The woman at the left side is holding a pink colour paper on her hand and wearing a pink colour cap pink and white colour cap. In the center the woman is holding pink colour paper on her hands and wearing a blue and white colour cap. At the right side there is a police car patrolling. On the driver seat there is a driver driving the car. In the background road is visible.

Maharashtra’s first woman DGP Rashmi Shukla retires after 37 years of controversy and reform

Rashmi Shukla, the first woman to lead Maharashtra’s police force, has retired after 37.5 years in service. Her career as a 1988-batch IPS officer included high-profile controversies, reinstatements, and notable achievements in law enforcement across the state.

Shukla’s tenure as Director General of Police (DGP) began under political turbulence. She faced allegations of phone tapping during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s rule. These cases were later dropped after the BJP-led administration returned to power and reinstated her as DGP in late 2024.

Opposition parties accused her of bias during the Assembly elections, prompting the Election Commission to transfer her. Despite this, she oversaw peaceful major festivals and elections, emphasizing stability in Maharashtra’s law and order. She also pointed to progress in Naxal-affected regions like Gadchiroli and Gondia, where security conditions reportedly improved. However, her time in office ended as the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, regained control of the state government.

Shukla’s retirement marks the close of a long and contentious career. As Maharashtra’s first female DGP, she leaves behind a legacy tied to both reform and political disputes. Her departure follows years of shifting government priorities and legal challenges.