New Delh: Acting on complaints from the Indian National Congress (INC) and other parties, the Election Commission of India has ordered the immediate transfer of Rashmi Shukla, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Maharashtra, according to ANI.

The Chief Secretary has been instructed to hand over her duties to the next senior-most IPS officer in the cadre. Additionally, the Chief Secretary has been directed to submit a panel of three IPS officers by November 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. for the appointment of the new DGP of Maharashtra.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had previously warned officials during review meetings and the announcement of assembly elections in the state to remain impartial and fair, and to be perceived as non-partisan in their conduct.

Earlier on October 31, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, requesting the removal of Rashmi Shukla from her position. In the letter, Patole accused DGP Shukla of displaying a “clear bias” against opposition parties in the state, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP(SP). He alleged that, in the past 20 days, Maharashtra has witnessed numerous incidents of political violence targeting opposition leaders, with reports of cases escalating.