In a significant development for Maharashtra's police administration, Dr. Sadanand Vasant Date officially assumed the role of the state's Director General of Police (DGP) on Saturday, January 4, 2026. The seasoned officer takes over from Rashmi Shukla, who made history as Maharashtra's first woman police chief.
A Tenure Guided by Supreme Court Directives
Dr. Date, a distinguished officer of the 1990 Indian Police Service (IPS) batch, will lead the state police force for a fixed term of two years. This appointment aligns with the Supreme Court's landmark guidelines aimed at ensuring stability and autonomy in the top police post. Interestingly, Dr. Date is due to retire in December 2026, but the court's mandate for a two-year tenure supersedes the standard retirement timeline. This rule was established to prevent political interference and allow police chiefs to function independently.
His predecessor, Rashmi Shukla, also benefited from this directive. She was appointed for a two-year term in January 2024, despite having only six months of service left before her scheduled retirement.
A Storied Career in Law Enforcement
Dr. Date brings a wealth of experience from a career spanning several critical postings. Prior to this appointment, he served as the chief of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), where he recently oversaw the high-profile probe into the Delhi car blasts case. His reputation within law enforcement circles is that of an officer with a clean and impeccable record.
His illustrious career in Maharashtra includes several key leadership roles:
- Chief of the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS).
- First Commissioner of the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police Commissionerate after its formation in 2020.
- Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Mumbai.
- Joint Commissioner of the Crime Branch in Mumbai city.
Steering Maharashtra's Security Landscape
The appointment marks a new chapter for Maharashtra's internal security apparatus. Dr. Date's extensive background in counter-terrorism, crime investigation, and field policing is expected to be crucial in addressing the state's complex law and order challenges. His immediate succession from the NIA chief's role underscores a focus on robust security and counter-terrorism strategies.
As the new police chief, Dr. Date steps into a role with immense responsibility, tasked with maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law in one of India's most populous and economically significant states. The fixed two-year term provides a clear window for implementing long-term policies and reforms within the police force, free from the uncertainties of frequent leadership changes.
