SPU selection stalls as Senior Police Officers miss the basics

 

 

 

A surprising lack of awareness among senior police officers has brought the recruitment process of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) to a sudden halt - a delay that could directly impact the safety of VIPs across Maharashtra. The SPU is the elite wing of the Maharashtra Police responsible for protecting top political leaders and other high-profile dignitaries. Recently, the recruitment process began for 840 vacant posts across the State. However, despite receiving over 1,000 applications, the process was unexpectedly paused. The official reason given was a “low response”, and the deadline for applications was extended from July 18 to July 28, 2025. But sources say the real reason is that many applicants couldn’t submit the required ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from their respective unit commanders. It is a standard practice that candidates must attach the NOC with their application. However, several newly-posted unit commanders were either unaware or hesitant to issue the NOCs.

 

This confusion led to a large number of applications being withheld, ultimately stalling the recruitment process. Now, the Special Inspector General of Police (VIP Security) has directed all applicants to resubmit their forms along with a proper NOC. The situation is serious, said a senior police official. The SPU is struggling with massive staff shortages, including 19 Police Inspectors, 34 Assistant Police Inspectors, 357 Sub-Inspectors, and 430 constables. The Mumbai unit alone faces 289 vacancies, followed by Pune (65), Nagpur (31), Nashik (16), and others. This shortage is placing enormous pressure on existing officers. Many are forced to work overtime and cover additional responsibilities which leads to mental and physical stress. Security experts warn that such overburdening could result in major lapses during VIP events, where SPU officers are expected to respond quickly and manage crowd control efficiently.