Rashmi Shukla, the first woman to head the Maharashtra Police as Director General of Police, retired on 3 January 2026 after a distinguished 37-and-a-half-year career in the Indian Police Service. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey that broke gender barriers and set new standards for leadership in one of India’s most complex law-enforcement environments.
Rashmi Shukla’s pioneering journey in Indian policing
Rashmi Shukla was born on 30 June 1964 and joined the Indian Police Service in 1988. Over nearly four decades, she held a series of key roles at both state and national levels, demonstrating operational depth, administrative skill and strategic vision. Before becoming Maharashtra’s police chief in January 2024, she led the Sashastra Seema Bal, a paramilitary force responsible for guarding India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan. She also served as Additional Director-General in the Central Reserve Police Force, and as Commissioner of Police in Pune roles that strengthened her reputation as a seasoned and adaptable officer.
Leading with resilience and experience
Shukla’s tenure reflected both professional achievement and personal resilience. Colleagues described her as a decisive leader who understood the challenges of law and order in the state. Her leadership extended to areas like internal security and community policing, and she was widely admired for her disciplined approach and clear communication with personnel.
Breaking barriers and setting new standards
When she took charge as Director General of Police, Shukla became the first woman to lead the Maharashtra Police a force that serves millions in one of India’s largest and most dynamic states. Her appointment was seen as a milestone for gender representation in Indian law enforcement. Shukla herself would later reflect that the role of DGP was “gender-neutral,” emphasising that the work remained the same regardless of who held the office.
Rashmi’s farewell and reflections on service
At her farewell ceremony at the Naigaon Police Ground in Bhoiwada, senior officials paid tribute to her long service with a Guard of Honour. In her farewell address, Shukla spoke of her satisfaction with her career and thanked the Maharashtra Police for the support she received over the years. She expressed pride in the teamwork that helped elevate the force and wished good health and success to her colleagues.
Passing the baton to IPS Sadanand
Following her retirement, senior IPS officer Sadanand Date known for his work as a head of the National Investigation Agency was appointed the new Director General of Police for Maharashtra. Date’s appointment signals a continuation of experienced leadership at the helm of the state’s police force.
Rashmi Shukla’s career is a testimony to her resilience, leadership and commitment to public service, and her journey will remain an inspiration for aspiring officers, especially women, in policing across India.