The Intense Battle for Mumbai’s Top Police Positions

A few DCP positions and one Additional CP post are currently vacant, and there is an expectation that they will be filled after the Ganesh festival. In my opinion, the contenders for these positions include Dr. Sudhakar Pathare, who is DCP Thane (Zone 4), S. B. Gunjal, DCP Thane (Zone 3), and Vivek Pansare, DCP Navi Mumbai (Zone 1). If you are wondering why I have mentioned these three, read on to find out.

Dr. Sudhakar Pathare was recently transferred to Satara as SP, but the current SP, Sameer Sheikh, persuaded CM Eknath Shinde to stop the transfer—it seems possible only in Maharashtra, especially for the CM’s home district! With a stay order in place, Pathare has approached a powerful Thane politician to secure a Mumbai DCP role. Given that Pathare is due for promotion in the next 3-4 months, it might be more prudent to wait for his promotion and then assign him a suitable position in Mumbai.

Vivek Pansare, based in Navi Mumbai, has set his sights on the Social Service Branch of the Mumbai Police rather than a minor position in Mumbai. Beyond the responsibilities listed on their website, this post involves conducting raids on hotels and pubs—arguably one of the “most profitable per night” operations in the city. This crucial role helps regulate Mumbai’s nightlife and curtail illegal activities.

S.B. Gunjal is weary of the daily pressures in Thane and is eager to transfer to Mumbai as DCP. However, he’s looking for a post where “aamdani atthani, kharcha nahi” applies—meaning he wants to live within his salary without the added lifestyle temptations of a high-profile zone like Mumbai Zone 9, where expenses could far exceed his earnings. He is quite adamant about being posted in Zones 6, 7, or 12, where there’s less “attention” and fewer distractions.

Any posting, whether in the IAS or IPS is highly coveted for Mumbai MMR, as it is considered the power centre. Whether you’re in Navi Mumbai or Thane, the influence of Mumbai remains the same. So, everyone in their lifetime once wants to be a part of the great power, and in the government posting circles, time spent here is considered a golden period for these officers.

I know of an IPS officer who has managed to retain his posting in Mumbai for more than eight years due to his wife. a Mumbai school headmistress who enjoys the lifestyle of a westernised Mumbaikar. Unfortunately for this well-meaning IPS officer, even if he wishes to explore postings in other cities, the wife uses her connections and ensures he remains in Mumbai!

I also know of a female IPS officer in Mumbai with a reputation for being ‘dangerous’ in her relentless pursuit of preferred postings that have been side-posted. Her domineering nature is well-known, often causing friction with other Additional CPs. In contrast, her husband, also an IPS officer, is diligent and non-interfering, quietly focusing on his duties. Despite her efforts, her superiors seemingly ignore her demands, and one can’t help but feel some sympathy for her.

Now, coming back to the three ‘mahashays’ from Thane and Navi Mumbai vying for Mumbai postings, they are all leveraging their connections to advance. Interestingly, their source is the same influential politician from Thane. However, with the Home Ministry now under Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, only the DGP, the Thane Commissioner, and the Home Minister must make decisions about these postings—not any politician from Thane. As the competition heats up, ensuring a fair process is crucial for selecting the most qualified candidates.

(The writer is a journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal)