Rina Mitra, who missed out on top CBI post, appointed as WB govt’s security advisor

A 1983 batch IPS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Rina Mitra, who could have become the first woman to head the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was bumped out by a day’s delay in the selection process.

The now-retired officer has however been appointed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the state’s principal advisor, internal security.

Mitra, who was serving as special secretary internal security in the Home Ministry since March 2017, is reportedly one of the 12 officers shortlisted to take over as CBI director earlier this month.

However, just a day’s delay bumped her out of the race.

Mitra herself wrote in The Telegraph newspaper on February 5, “I did qualify on all parameters to be considered for the selection to head the premier investigation body of the country… I was indeed the senior-most officer fulfilling all the four essential criteria including experience in CBI and anti-corruption… However, an easily avoidable delay of just one day in the selection process ensured that I was bumped out of the race and no longer in contention.”

Rina Mitra, born on September 1, 1959, grew up at Sanctoria in West Bengal’s Asansol. She is a graduate from Kolkata’s Lady Brabourne College and has a Masters in Literature from Calcutta University. She later earned an MPhil from the National Defence College.

Mitra served in Madhya Pradesh and in the Union Government in various capacities. She has also won the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1999 and the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service in 2008.