Mumbai :- With Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar set to retire on April 30, all eyes are now on who will step into the top post. Senior IPS officer Archana Tyagi has emerged as the leading contender, potentially becoming the first woman to head Mumbai Police — a historic milestone for the city.
Sources suggest that the Maharashtra government, along with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is keen on appointing a female officer to the prestigious role. If confirmed, Tyagi’s appointment would mark the third high-ranking position in the state recently filled by a woman
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Earlier, Sujata Saunik became Maharashtra’s first female Chief Secretary, and Rashmi Shukla took charge as the Director General of Police (DGP), making this a landmark year for women in state leadership.
Insiders say several high-level meetings have been held to finalize the decision, with Archana Tyagi reportedly participating in some of the discussions. An official announcement is expected within the next two days.
Initially, Sadanand Date, Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was considered a strong candidate. However, due to his involvement in critical investigations — including the case involving Pakistani national Tahawwur Rana and the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir — the central government is reportedly reluctant to release him at this stage.
This situation has further strengthened Tyagi’s prospects.
A 1993-batch IPS officer, Archana Tyagi currently serves as the Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation. Widely known as the “Lady Supercop,” she is respected for her exemplary service and leadership throughout her career.
