Hello Mumbai City Desk 

The Maharashtra government on Saturday appointed Sadanand Date, former chief of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and a 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks hero, as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra. He succeeds Rashmi Shukla, who retired from service on the same day.
A 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Date officially took charge as the state’s police chief following Shukla’s retirement. He will remain in office till the end of 2027, officials confirmed.
Prior to this appointment, Date was serving on central deputation as the NIA chief until the last week of December. He was recently repatriated to Maharashtra after being shortlisted for the state DGP’s post. Before heading the NIA, Date led the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and also served as Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Mumbai.

Date is widely recognised for his role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2009 for his bravery in repulsing the attack. He also played a key role in investigations related to the 2008 Mumbai blasts, including the case of mastermind Tahawwur Rana, who was extradited from the United States earlier this year.
Officials stated that Date was among a shortlist of IPS officers considered for the top post, and the Centre’s decision to relieve him from the NIA facilitated his appointment as Maharashtra DGP.

Outgoing DGP Rashmi Shukla, who was appointed in January 2024 and granted an extension till December 31, 2025, bid farewell after completing 37-and-a-half years of service. In her farewell remarks, she said that her tenure with the Maharashtra Police was a deeply fulfilling experience and that she had learned immensely during her service.