Mumbai (03.11.2025): The Maharashtra government has initiated the process to appoint the state's next Director General of Police (DGP) by shortlisting seven senior IPS officers, whose names have been sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The move comes as the current DGP, Rashmi Shukla (IPS: 1988: MH), is set to retire on December 31, 2025.

The list of potential successors, which was forwarded to the UPSC on October 31, 2025, includes National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief Sadanand Date (IPS: 1990: MH), the senior-most officer on the list. The UPSC will now examine the credentials of the seven officers and recommend a panel of three names to the state government, which will then make the final selection for the top police post.

The comprehensive list of seven shortlisted officers includes:

1. Sadanand Date (IPS: 1990: MH)
2. Sanjay Verma (IPS: 1990: MH)
3. Ritesh Kumar (IPS: 1992: MH)
4. Sanjeev Kumar Singhal (IPS: 1992: MH)
5. Archana Tyagi (IPS: 1993: MH)
6. Sanjeev Kumar (IPS: 1993: MH)
7. Prashant Burde (IPS: 1993: MH)

Among the contenders, Sadanand Date's tenure is noteworthy as he is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2026, giving him a longer potential run in the top office if selected.

Notable Exclusion

A significant omission from the shortlist is Amitabh Gupta (IPS: 1992: MH). He is currently on central deputation, serving with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The selection process is governed by the Supreme Court’s guidelines, which mandate that officers considered for the DGP post must have at least six months of service remaining. The state government awaits the UPSC's recommendations to finalize the leadership of the Maharashtra Police.