Ex-CBI special director Rakesh Asthana appointed Delhi Police commissioner

Rakesh Asthana has been appointed as the Commissioner of Delhi Police, according to a Home Ministry order 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. He now gets a one year tenure as CP Delhi.

The MHA order has stated that Asthana should be relieved immediately so that he can take over charge as the Commissioner of Delhi Police.

Asthana has earlier served as the the special director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and his tenure was controversial. He was stuck in a bitter turf battle with then CBI director Alok Verma.

Asthana is also the DG of Narcotics Control Bureau. Under his leadership, the NCB focused on the Bollywood’s alleged drug nexus.