NIA DG Sadanand Date Repatriated To Parent Cadre, Likely To Take Over As Maharashtra DGP

Date, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, is likely to take over as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra following the completion of the two-year term of incumbent Rashmi Shukla on December 31.

The Department of Personnel & Training, in an order, said, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for premature repatriation of Shri Sadanand Vasant Date, IPS (MH:1990), DG, NIA, to his parent cadre with immediate effect.”

Date assumed leadership at the country’s anti-terror probe agency NIA as its Director General from incumbent Dinkar Gupta, who superannuated from service on March 31, 2024.

Before joining the NIA, Date served as Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief and held several important positions in the state, including Police Commissioner of Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar, Joint Commissioner of Law and Order, and Joint Commissioner of the Crime Branch in Mumbai.

He has also served two tenures in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as Deputy Inspector General and in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as Inspector General.

Date was honoured with the President's Police Medal for Gallantry in 2008 for his role in combating the terrorists, who launched the dastardly attacks on Mumbai in November 2008. He is also a recipient of the President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2007 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014.

Date, majorly recognised for his role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was among the first few officers who reached one of the places on the night of November 26, 2008, when Mumbai was under siege by 10 terrorists and engaged in a counter-operation and got injured during the exchange of fire.

His bravery and presence of mind in the extreme conditions led to the rescue of many citizens, who were held hostage by Abu Ismail and Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist that the Mumbai police managed to nab alive. The senior police officer was later awarded the President’s Police Medal for gallantry.

Date is reported to have told the media that the 26/11 attack “remains the most challenging event” of his career and it would stay with him life-long. “I tried to do whatever was best to my ability,” he had said.