Leading from the front

The nine days of Navratri celebrate goddesses who embody strength in different forms; valour, compassion, creativity, austerity, devotion, justice, protection, forgiveness and wisdom. In our annual Navratri series, we celebrate the lives of nine women who strive to build happy and safe spaces for themselves and those around them.

PART - 11

Name: Rashmi Shukla | Where: Mumbai, Maharashtra

In a space where most would think twice before venturing, Rashmi Shukla walks with ease. In September 2025, when Maharashtra’s first-ever woman Director General of Police (DGP) visited Gadchiroli, six senior Naxal cadres surrendered before her—a symbolic victory in the state’s long battle against insurgency. Over the years, Rashmi has been commended for her contributions to law enforcement, investigation, and citizen-focused policing, while also steering key social initiatives.

An officer of the 1988 IPS batch, Rashmi Shukla was appointed DGP of Maharashtra in January 2024, breaking a historic barrier. Born and raised in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, she cleared the civil services examination on her first attempt and chose the Indian Police Service. Brought up by her grandparents—both teachers—and her aunt, Rashmi credits them for instilling in her values of discipline and resilience. In a 2017 interview with The Unbound, she recalled: “They taught me so many things that I still remember and use in my day-to-day life.” Reflecting on her training years, she added that it was the support of her 1988 batchmates that helped her successfully complete the physically demanding IPS course: “I was never into physical activity. I would have left IPS in between without their push.”

That blend of gratitude, determination, and discipline has propelled Shukla to the top ranks of her profession. In March 2023, she took charge as Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the central armed police force guarding India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Before that, in 2021, she served as Additional Director General of the CRPF, leading crucial national security operations. For her service, she was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005.

As Maharashtra’s DGP, Rashmi has focused on strengthening citizen-centric policing. In June 2025, she conferred the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation on 11 police officers for their outstanding work in solving cases of murder, dacoity, kidnapping, and crimes against children. She has also prioritized women’s safety, the fight against narcotics, and cybercrime prevention. In September, she launched an initiative, ‘One Mandal – One Cop’ to improve communication between organisers of festivals and the police and ensure better integration of the police with the local community.

Yet, her journey has not been without challenges. As head of the Maharashtra Intelligence Department, she was accused by political opponents of authorising phone tapping of leaders from rival parties—a controversy that drew sharp debate. Earlier in 2025, the Election Commission placed her on compulsory leave, citing alleged bias towards a political party during state elections.

Despite such controversies, Rashmi’s rise as the first woman police chief of Maharashtra stands as a milestone not just in policing but in what women can achieve. Her career continues to inspire a new generation of young women to join the police force, proving that resilience and integrity can break through the hardest glass ceilings.