In a significant administrative move, senior IPS officer and current National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief, Sadanand Date, has been repatriated to his parent Maharashtra cadre with immediate effect. This paves the way for him to likely assume the role of the state's Director General of Police (DGP).
Cabinet Committee Approves Immediate Repatriation
The decision was formalized by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Monday, December 23, 2025. Acting on a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the committee approved the premature repatriation of Sadanand Vasant Date. The move came in response to a specific request from the Maharashtra government seeking the officer's services.
The Centre's order explicitly stated the approval for Date's immediate return to his parent cadre. This strategic repatriation sets the stage for a major leadership change in the state's police force as the tenure of the incumbent DGP, Rashmi Shukla, concludes on December 31, 2025.
A Decorated Officer Poised for Top Police Post
Sadanand Date is expected to be appointed as the Maharashtra DGP for a standard two-year tenure, which would extend until December 2027. An officer of immense repute, Date is widely recognized for his exceptional bravery during the horrific 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.
His presence of mind and courageous actions were instrumental in rescuing hostages at the Cama and Albless Hospital for women and children, where he confronted the terrorists directly. For this act of gallantry, he was later honored with the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
Date's Illustrious Career and Qualifications
Beyond his heroic moment, Date has built a distinguished career with several key postings in Maharashtra. His experience includes leading the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) as its chief. He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police Commissionerate in 2020, serving as its first Police Commissioner.
His service profile in Mumbai includes significant tenures as the Joint Commissioner of Police for Law and Order and later for the Crime Branch. Academically accomplished, Date holds a doctorate from Pune University and is also a qualified cost and management accountant from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI).
This repatriation marks a homecoming for the seasoned officer, placing him at the helm of the police force in a state where he has extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of its security landscape.
