Sadanand Date Appointed Maharashtra DGP for Two-Year Term, Set to Take Charge on January 3

Mumbai | December 31, 2025 Senior IPS officer Sadanand Date, who is widely known for his role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and for leading key anti-terror agencies, has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra. The state government announced his appointment on Wednesday, confirming that he will serve a fixed two-year term, regardless of his date of retirement. Sadanand Date, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service officer, will take over from the current DGP, Rashmi Shukla, when she demits office on January 3. The appointment order issued by the state home department clearly states that Date’s tenure will continue for two years, even though he is scheduled to retire in December next year after turning 60. The decision comes after Date was repatriated to Maharashtra from New Delhi earlier this month. He was serving as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s premier anti-terrorism body, before being called back by the Maharashtra government. Officials said the state requested his return specifically to appoint him to the top police post. Date has had a long and distinguished career in policing, particularly in counter-terrorism and internal security. Until March 2024, he served as the chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), where he handled several high-profile investigations. His move to New Delhi earlier this year to head the NIA was seen as recognition of his experience in dealing with terror-related cases. He is best remembered for his role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, when he was then a senior police officer and confronted terrorist Ajmal Kasab at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Date was seriously injured during the encounter but survived, earning praise for his bravery and commitment to duty. His actions during the attacks are often cited as an example of courage under extreme pressure. The process to appoint the new DGP followed established norms. Last week, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recommended a panel of three senior IPS officers for the post. Along with Sadanand Date, the panel included Sanjay Verma, who is currently Director General (Legal and Technical), and Ritesh Kumar, the Commandant General of Home Guards. After reviewing the panel, the Maharashtra government selected Date for the position. Officials said the choice reflects the government’s focus on experience, especially in handling terrorism, organised crime, and complex law-and-order situations. Maharashtra, with cities like Mumbai, faces unique security challenges, and Date’s background in counter-terror operations is expected to play a key role in shaping policing priorities. As DGP, Date will be responsible for overseeing law and order across the state, supervising the police force, and coordinating with central agencies on security-related matters. His tenure is expected to focus on strengthening internal security, improving police response systems, and enhancing coordination between intelligence and field units. The appointment has drawn attention within police circles, as fixed-tenure appointments for DGPs are aimed at ensuring stability and independence in policing. By granting a two-year term irrespective of retirement, the state government has signalled its intent to provide continuity in leadership at the top level. Date’s return to Maharashtra and elevation to the DGP post marks a significant moment for the state police force. With his extensive experience at both the state and national levels, expectations are high that he will bring a firm and balanced approach to policing. He is set to formally assume charge on January 3, ushering in a new phase for the Maharashtra Police at the start of the new year. Sadanand Date Appointed Maharashtra DGP for Two-Year Term, Set to Take Charge on January 3 Senior IPS officer Sadanand Date has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra, with the state government announcing a fixed two-year tenure for the 1990-batch officer. He will take charge on January 3, succeeding incumbent DGP Rashmi Shukla, who is set to step down on that day. The appointment order issued by the state home department clearly states that Date will hold the post for two years, irrespective of his retirement date. Date is scheduled to turn 60 in December next year, but his tenure as DGP will continue as decided. The move is seen as an effort to ensure stability and continuity in the state’s top police leadership. Sadanand Date was recently repatriated to Maharashtra from New Delhi, where he was serving as Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s premier anti-terror body. Before taking charge at the NIA in March 2024, he served as the chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), handling several sensitive and high-profile cases. Date is widely known for his role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when he confronted terrorist Ajmal Kasab and was seriously injured in the line of duty. His courage and service during the attacks earned him national recognition and respect within the police force. Last week, the Union Public Service Commission recommended a panel of three senior IPS officers for the DGP post, including Date, Sanjay Verma, and Ritesh Kumar. After reviewing the panel, the Maharashtra government selected Date, citing his vast experience in counter-terrorism and internal security. As DGP, Date will be responsible for maintaining law and order across Maharashtra, strengthening security, and coordinating with central agencies. His appointment at the start of the new year marks a crucial phase for the state police.