Mumbai: In a key development for the Maharashtra Police, senior IPS officer Sadanand Vasant Date (IPS:1990:MH) has been appointed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra. He succeeds Rashmi Shukla (IPS:1988:MH), who retired from service on Wednesday after a distinguished career.
Repatriation from Central Deputation
Mr Date was serving as Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on central deputation prior to his appointment. Recognized as the front-runner for Maharashtra’s top police post, he was repatriated from the NIA to his parent cadre to facilitate a smooth transition.
The Maharashtra government had submitted a panel of seven senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for shortlisting. Sadanand Date, being the senior-most among them, was selected to assume the state’s top police position.
Read also: Who Is IPS Sadanand Date? 26/11 Hero Soon to Lead Maharashtra Police as New DGP | All About Him
A LIFETIME OF COURAGE AND SERVICE
On a cold November night in 2008, when fear gripped Mumbai and the sound of gunfire echoed across the city, a senior police officer rushed from his home with nothing but a carbine, six constables, and an instinct to protect. He had no idea that minutes later, a grenade would explode just three feet away from him, or that his actions that night would become part of Mumbai’s collective memory.
That officer was Sadanand Date – and today, he has become the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra.
From delivering newspapers as a boy to leading India’s premier anti-terror agency, Date’s journey reflects grit, discipline, and an unwavering belief that policing is both a duty and a responsibility. His rise is not accidental; it is the result of decades of hard work and an unbroken commitment to public service.
A CHILDHOOD OF HARDSHIP
Born in Pune on December 14, 1966, Date grew up in a modest household. His mother worked as a domestic helper. To support the family, he delivered newspapers before school.
Those early years shaped his worldview. They taught him resilience and showed him the value of education and effort—traits that would later define his leadership style.
He completed his post-graduation in commerce, earned a doctorate in economic offences, and became a qualified Cost and Management Accountant. His academic interests led him to the Humphrey Fellowship at the University of Minnesota, where he studied white-collar and organized crime. For someone who once struggled to afford books, this was a remarkable milestone.
In 1990, he joined the Indian Police Service (Maharashtra cadre).
THE 26/11 ATTACK
For many, Sadanand Date’s name will always be tied to 26/11, the night Mumbai changed forever.
When terrorists attacked the city, Date was the Additional Commissioner of Police (Central Region). Though the incident was outside his jurisdiction, he rushed to CST station as soon as he heard the news. When he learnt the gunmen had moved toward Cama and Albless Hospital, a building housing women and children, he led his team straight there.
At the hospital, he encountered Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail. As he approached the entrance, a grenade exploded near him. Sub-Inspector Prakash More was killed instantly. Date and several others were badly injured. Shrapnel pierced his legs and face.He did not retreat.
He continued firing, moved his team to the sixth floor, and held the staircase for almost 40 minutes—buying valuable time, protecting those inside, and preventing a larger tragedy.
For this extraordinary bravery, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
THE INVESTIGATOR
Date’s career is not defined only by one night. His postings across Maharashtra and Delhi show a steady record of investigative excellence.
He has served as:
• Deputy Inspector General in the CBI
• Inspector General in the CRPF
• Additional Commissioner of Police, Economic Offences Wing
• Commissioner of Police, Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar (MBVV)
• Director General, Maharashtra ATS
• Director General, National Investigation Agency (NIA)
His academic background in economic offences helped him build strong investigative systems wherever he worked. In the Mumbai Police, he set up a social media monitoring lab and introduced structured training for Special Branch officers.
LEADING MBVV POLICE
One of his most challenging assignments came in 2020 when he became the first Commissioner of Police for the newly formed MBVV Commissionerate.
The new force was raised in the middle of the pandemic. Resources were limited, manpower was stretched, and the region had a reputation for crime—dance bars, illegal construction, drug networks, and small gangs.
Date refused to label the area “notorious.”
He called it “challenging.”
Under his leadership:
• MBVV achieved a record conviction rate of 82% in 2021—the highest among all commissionerates in Maharashtra.
• Detection improved to nearly 80%, up from earlier averages of 60–65%.
• He ensured detection officers’ posts never remained vacant, despite 40% staff shortage.
• Quality investigation units were created in every police station.
• Officers were encouraged to read court judgments to understand acquittals and improve future cases.
He made it clear to his force:
You will not be punished for registering more cases. You will be judged for detecting them.
His approach worked. MBVV not only improved policing but also strengthened trust with citizens. Over 5,700 CCTV cameras were installed purely through public participation—an achievement that reflects both administrative skill and community connect.
THE NIA CHIEF
In 2023, Date was appointed Director General of the National Investigation Agency.
His tenure saw several major terror-related investigations move forward with precision and clarity.
One of the most significant developments was progress in the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 conspiracy. Much of the groundwork that convinced American authorities to approve his extradition was built under Date’s supervision.
At the NIA, he brought discipline, transparency, and sharp focus to complex investigations that involved both domestic and international coordination.
NOW THE NEW DGP OF MAHARASHTRA
As he prepares to take charge as Maharashtra’s new Director General of Police, Date steps into one of the most demanding policing roles in the country.
His tenure is expected to run until December 2026.
He brings to the job:
• frontline experience in counter-terror operations,
• deep knowledge of economic and cyber offences,
• strong administrative skills,
• and a reputation for methodical, honest policing.
His journey—from selling newspapers to helming India’s top terror agency and now leading Maharashtra Police—is not just inspiring. It is a reminder that leadership in policing is built on courage, hard work, and an unbroken sense of duty.
- For Sadanand Date, every challenge is an opportunity.
- Every posting is a responsibility.
And every day is a chance to serve.
