The Central Government has approved sending National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief and senior IPS officer Sadanand Vasant Date to his parent cadre Maharashtra with immediate effect. This decision was taken on Monday (22 December) and it is being linked to the appointment of the next Director General of Police of Maharashtra.

The tenure of current DGP Rashmi Shukla is ending on 31st December, hence Date’s name is being considered as the strongest contender. The thing to note is that the upcoming elections of BMC in Maharashtra are to be held in January, hence it is being considered very important from the point of view of law and order and security leadership of the state.

Centre’s order and possibilities of DGP appointment

The Appointment Committee of the Union Cabinet i.e. ACC, while approving the proposal of the Home Ministry, has terminated the premature deputation of Sadanand Vasant Date. It has been said in the order that they are being sent back to their parent cadre Maharashtra with immediate effect.

According to an India Today report, the Home Ministry had received a formal request from the Maharashtra government to recall the donor to the state. According to sources, if he is made DGP, he can get a full tenure of two years, which will last till December 2027.

Who is Sadanand Date?

The life of Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990 batch IPS officer of Maharashtra cadre, has been an example of struggle and inspiration. Born in an ordinary family, Date financed his education by distributing newspapers in his childhood. His mother worked as a domestic help. Despite limited resources, he gave priority to education and discipline and reached the Indian Police Service. His journey is considered inspiring for the young officers of the police force.

Long experience and bravery of 26/11

In his career, Sadanand Date has held responsible positions in Mumbai Police, CBI and many important units of the state and center. He has been the head of Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad and was also the first Commissioner of Mira-Bhayander-Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate formed in 2020. He served in sensitive positions like Joint Commissioner Law and Order and Crime Branch in Mumbai Police. In the year 2023, he was appointed Director General of NIA.

During the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, his role in directly combating the terrorists and safely evacuating women and children from Cama and Albless Hospital was historic. For this unique courage, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.