In a landmark move to address the severe manpower shortage in the state police force, the Maharashtra Government has granted investigation powers to head constables, Police Naiks, and qualified constables, allowing them to officially probe criminal cases.
The State Home Department’s recent order signals a major change in policing norms. So far, only Sub-Inspectors and higher-ranking officers had the authority to carry out criminal investigations. This new directive broadens that scope considerably.
Now, over 45,000 head constables, along with a select group of the 110,000-strong police constables and more than 25,000 Police Naiks, will be eligible to investigate cases – provided they meet certain criteria. These include holding a graduate degree, completing a six-week crime detection course, and having at least seven years of service.
“This decision stems from the growing shortage of investigating officers, worsened by the abolition of the Police Naik post in 2021 and ongoing retirements,” a senior home department official told Nagpur Today. “However, station in-charges must evaluate an eligible constable’s capability before assigning investigation duties.”
With over 10% of its 2.6 lakh sanctioned posts lying vacant, the Maharashtra police force is grappling with a significant manpower shortage. In response, the new order is being viewed as a strategic step to reduce the burden on existing officers and speed up investigation processes.
This reform recognises the valuable on-ground experience of head constables and constables, officially expanding their responsibilities. By empowering them to lead investigations, the move is expected to reshape policing at the grassroots level and strengthen law enforcement across the state.
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