The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the premature repatriation of National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Vasant Date to his parent cadre, Maharashtra. The decision was cleared on Monday following a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to an official government order.
Date, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, is widely seen as the leading contender to be appointed the next Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra. The move comes as the tenure of the current DGP, Rashmi Shukla, is set to conclude on December 31, prompting the state government to seek Date’s return.
In its order, the Centre stated that the repatriation would take effect immediately. The Ministry of Home Affairs had received a formal request from the Maharashtra government, paving the way for Date’s return to the state police leadership. He is expected to be given a two-year tenure as DGP, potentially serving until December 2027.
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Sadanand Date is nationally recognised for his role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, where he displayed exceptional bravery while confronting terrorists at the Cama and Albless Hospital. His decisive actions helped rescue hostages, including women and children, earning him the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
Over his distinguished career, Date has held several key positions, including chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). He also served as the first Commissioner of the Mira Bhayandar–Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police Commissionerate after its formation in 2020, and later as Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), Mumbai.
Apart from his policing credentials, Date brings strong academic and professional qualifications to the role. A native of Pune, he holds a doctorate from Pune University and is a qualified cost and management accountant from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), adding to his reputation as one of Maharashtra’s most accomplished police officers.
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