Sadanand Date Appointed Maharashtra DGP for Two-Year Term

Mumbai, 2026 : Former National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Date has been appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra for a fixed tenure of two years, the state government announced on Wednesday. A 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Date will assume charge from the incumbent DGP Rashmi Shukla upon the completion of her tenure on January 3.

According to the official government order, Date’s appointment will remain valid for a full two-year period irrespective of his superannuation date. He is scheduled to turn 60 in December next year, but the order ensures continuity in leadership at the state’s top police post during a politically and administratively significant period.

Until March 2024, Date served as the chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), after which he was appointed Director General of the NIA in New Delhi, India’s premier counter-terrorism agency. He was repatriated to Maharashtra around two weeks ago at the request of the state government, which expressed its intent to appoint him as the state DGP.

Sadanand Date is widely regarded as one of the heroes of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. On November 26, 2008, when terrorists struck multiple locations across Mumbai, Date was serving as the Additional Commissioner of Police (Central Region). He led a police team that cornered Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail on the rooftop of Cama Hospital. Despite sustaining serious injuries from grenade splinters, he continued to engage the terrorists with exceptional courage. For his bravery, he was later awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.

Over his distinguished career, Date has held several key positions in Maharashtra and central agencies. He served in the Maharashtra ATS, became the first Commissioner of Police for Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, and held crucial roles in the Mumbai Police as Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) and Crime. He also served as Deputy Inspector General in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Inspector General (Operations) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Academically accomplished, Date holds a doctorate in Economic Offences from Pune University and is known for his expertise in tackling economic and organised crime. His appointment comes at a time when local body elections are underway in the state, adding to the significance of his leadership.

Born into a humble family, Date’s journey is often cited as inspirational. Media reports note that he supported his family in his early years by delivering newspapers, while his mother worked as a domestic helper. Clearing the UPSC examination, he went on to build a career marked by integrity, professionalism, and public service.

Team Maverick.