Rakesh Asthana, the former CBI Special Director, has been appointed the new Delhi Police Commissioner. In a late-night development, the home ministry issued a circular confirming the development. ITBP Director General SS Seswal has been given an additional charge of BSF DG. Prior to the Delhi Police Chief appointment, Asthana held the post. Asthana is 1984 Gujarat cadre officer.
Asthana, who came into limelight during his stint at the CBI, hit the national headlines due to his bitter tiff with the then CBI Chief Alok Verma. Both Verma and Asthana had a very public feud as they levelled serious allegations against each other. Later on, the Union Home Ministry removed both officers. Asthana was also given clean chit.
Asthana’s appointment is seen as a rare occurrence as it is after a very long time that an officer outside of AGMUT cadre has been made the Delhi Police Commissioner. Usually, an officer from Arunachal, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territory is being given this charge.