The Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Maharashtra State Police, which is responsible for safeguarding VIPs across the state, is currently facing a serious manpower crisis. The unit has more than 840 vacant posts, including senior and field-level officers, which is creating pressure on the existing staff and raising concerns over the security of high-profile persons. According to official information, the SPU has 19 vacant posts of Police Inspectors, 34 Assistant Police Inspectors, and a huge shortage of 357 Police Sub-Inspectors and 430 posts of constabulary staff is vacant across the State. The Mumbai unit alone is facing the biggest crunch, with 289 vacancies ranging from constables to head constables. Other regional units are also affected: Pune has 65 vacancies, Nagpur 31, Nashik 16, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 10, Jalgaon 9, Aheri 6, and Nanded 4.

 

A senior police officer informed that Special Protection Unit teams play a critical role during the movement and public events of VIPs, including political leaders and other dignitaries. These units are specially trained to ensure quick response and tight security arrangements. However, due to the high number of vacancies, the units are finding it difficult to function smoothly. The shortage of staff means the existing officers are being overworked. They are being assigned additional duties to cover for the missing personnel, which is leading to mental and physical stress. This overload not only reduces their efficiency but also puts the entire security system at risk. Experts warn that if the shortage continues, it could result in serious lapses during VIP visits or high-security events.