The order has stated that Rakesh Asthana will be relieved immediately so that he can take over charge as the Commissioner of Delhi Police.
Former Special Director of CBI, Rakesh Asthana has been appointed as the Commissioner of Delhi Police, according to an official order issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday. The 1984-batch IPS officer from Gujarat cadre is Director General (DG) of Border Security Force (BSF) and was to superannuate from the post on July 31 but would now get a one year tenure as CP Delhi.
The MHA order has stated that Asthana to be relieved immediately so that he can take over charge as the Commissioner of Delhi Police. His Delhi CP tenure will be till July 31, 2022 or until further orders.
Speaking to News18, Asthana said that he was waiting for an official communication and is ready to take up new challenges.
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Also, DG ITBP Shri Surjeet Singh Deswal has been given additional charge of the BSF (Border Security Force). The MHA order stated, “Consequent to appointment of Rakesh Asthana (GJ 84), DG BSF as Commissioner of Police Delhi, the competent authority has approved that S S Deswal (HY 84) DG ITBP shall hold additional charge as DG BSF vice Asthana till the appointment and joining of the regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
“The approval of the appointment committee of cabinet has been conveyed for the inter cadre deputation of Rakesh Asthana (Guj 84) from Gujarat cadre to AGMUT cadre and extending his service initially for a period of one year beyond the date of his super annuation on 31.07.21 or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” the MHA order said, adding that this was on relaxation of rule 16(1) of the all India service (death cum Retirement Benefits) rules, 1958 as a special case in public interest.
This is not the first time that Delhi will see a Commissioner from outside the cadre. Officer Ajay Raj Sharma from Uttar Pradesh cadre had also lead the force in the past.
While holding the post of superintendent of police in the CBI, Asthana was involved in the investigation of some high-profile cases and had also arrested Lalu Prasad Yadav, chief of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the fodder scam in 1997.
Asthana had earlier also worked as the Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
He is also the DG of Narcotics Control Bureau. Under his leadership, the NCB focused on the Bollywood’s alleged drug strings which brought the bureau into spotlight. The orders are awaited about his successor too in the bureau.
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