New Delhi/Mumbai: Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Sadanand Vasant Date, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre, Maharashtra, with immediate effect. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Monday following a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
In an official order, the Centre stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for premature repatriation of Sadanand Vasant Date to his parent cadre with immediate effect.”
Likely to Replace Incumbent Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla
The repatriation comes amid strong indications that Date is likely to be appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra, replacing incumbent Rashmi Shukla, whose tenure concludes on December 31. Sources indicate that, similar to his predecessor, Date may be granted a two-year tenure, potentially serving as the state police chief until December 2027.
The Maharashtra government had earlier formally requested the MHA to repatriate Date to the state, paving the way for his possible elevation to the top police post.
Distinguished Career in Policing and Counter-Terrorism
A 1990-batch IPS officer, Sadanand Vasant Date assumed charge as the Director General of the NIA earlier this year, succeeding Dinkar Gupta, who retired on March 31, 2024. During his tenure, Date led India’s premier counter-terrorism investigation agency, which handles some of the country’s most sensitive national security cases.
Before joining the NIA, Date served as the chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and held several key positions in the state police machinery. These include serving as Police Commissioner of Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV), Joint Commissioner of Law and Order, and Joint Commissioner of the Crime Branch in Mumbai.
Role in 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
Date is widely respected for his courageous role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He was among the officers who directly confronted the terrorists and played a critical role in rescuing hostages at the Cama and Albless Hospital for women and children. His bravery and presence of mind during the operation earned him the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2008.
Experience with Central Agencies
Apart from his state-level roles, Date has extensive experience in central policing organisations. He served two tenures with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as Deputy Inspector General and also held the position of Inspector General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), further strengthening his credentials in internal security and administration.
Strong Academic Background
In addition to his professional achievements, Date possesses an impressive academic profile. He holds a doctorate from Pune University, his hometown, and is also a qualified Cost and Management Accountant from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI).
