Sandip Patil assumes role as Police Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

IPS Sandip Patil/ Instagram

Sandip Patil, Maharashtra's Inspector General (Anti-Naxal Operations), took on the additional role of police commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city on Saturday, promising to enhance police morale and uphold strict anti-corruption measures.

An IPS officer from the 2006 batch, Patil succeeds Manoj Lohiya, who retired on Friday. Patil previously served as superintendent of police in Parbhani district.

In Photos: Toll rises to 22 in Sikkim flash flood, searches on for 103 missing people

1 year agoPHOTO GALLERY

Addressing reporters, Patil emphasised a "zero tolerance" policy towards corruption and a focus on transparency within the police force. He assured that the concerns of police staff would be addressed to boost their morale.

"While giving freedom to the police staff, their issues will also be addressed to enhance their morale," he said and added, "We will initiate steps to create a positive environment in the city. Cyber patrolling will also be increased to tackle inflammatory posts."

A former student of Sainik School Satara, Patil recently met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, an alumnus of Sainik School Chittorgarh, during an event in Gondia. Vice President Dhankhar praised Patil to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, describing him as a dynamic officer leading the state's anti-Naxal operations.

Earlier, the Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) in Maharashtra called for a change in their uniform to include brown shoes, a brown belt, and a circular beret cap, similar to their counterparts in other states. This demand comes from the desire for better recognition and respect for their position and responsibilities.

Maharashtra Police is one of the largest police forces in India, with 229,962 personnel, including 21,291 officers and 208,671 other ranks. It comprises 104 units, including 12 commissioners and various divisions like the Crime Investigation Department (CID), State Intelligence Department, and Railway Police districts, among others. There are 1,165 police stations across the state, including Mumbai.

ASIs hold a non-gazetted position, ranking above police head constables and below sub-inspectors. They can serve as investigating officers and have the rank insignia of one star with red and blue stripes on their shoulder straps. Currently, there are 5,450 ASIs in the Maharashtra Police, holding a Class-III rank.

In Maharashtra, there is no direct recruitment for ASIs; they achieve this rank through promotion from a constable. Consequently, newly recruited Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) may have less experience than ASIs. ASIs believe that having an appropriate uniform would ensure respect from their seniors.