Sandip Patil, Inspector General of Maharashtra (Anti-Naxal Operations), on Saturday took up the additional role of police commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, promising to improve police morale and maintain strict anti-corruption measures.
Patil, a 2006-batch IPS officer, succeeds Manoj Lohiya, who retired on Friday. Patil earlier served as superintendent of police in Parbhani district.
Addressing reporters, Patil emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption and a focus on transparency within the police force. He assured that the concerns of police personnel will be addressed to boost their morale.
“While police personnel are given freedom, their problems will also be addressed to improve their morale,” he said, adding, “We will initiate measures to create a positive environment in the city. Cyber ​​patrolling will also be increased to tackle inflammatory messages.” . “.
Patil, an alumnus of Satara Sainik School, recently met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, an alumnus of Chittorgarh Sainik School, during an event in Gondia. Vice President Dhankhar praised Patil before Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and described him as a dynamic officer leading the state’s anti-Naxal operations.
Earlier, assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) in Maharashtra asked for a change in their uniform to include brown shoes, a brown belt and a circular beret, similar to their counterparts in other states. This demand arises from the desire for better recognition and respect of their position and responsibilities.
The Maharashtra Police is one of the largest police forces in India, with 229,962 personnel, including 21,291 constables and 208,671 other ranks. It consists of 104 units, including 12 commissionerates and various divisions such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), State Intelligence Department and Railway Police districts, among others. There are 1,165 police stations across the state, including Mumbai.
ASIs occupy an unpublished position, ranking above police chiefs and below sub-inspectors. They may serve as investigating officers and have the rank insignia of one star with red and blue stripes on the shoulder straps. Currently, there are 5,450 ASIs in the Maharashtra Police, with Class III rank.
In Maharashtra, there is no direct recruitment of ASIs; They achieve this rank by promoting an agent. Consequently, newly recruited police sub-inspectors (PSIs) may be less experienced than ASIs. ASIs believe that having a proper uniform would ensure respect from their superiors.