Wed Dec 31 18:20:00 UTC 2025: ## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Decorated 26/11 Hero, Sadanand Date, Appointed Director General of Maharashtra Police
Mumbai, December 31, 2025 – Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990 batch IPS officer renowned for his bravery and leadership during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been appointed as the new Director General of Maharashtra Police (DGP), effective January 3rd, 2026. The appointment was announced today, December 31, 2025.
Date, 59, succeeds Rashmi Shukla, who is retiring. He will serve a fixed tenure of two years as head of the 200,000+ strong state police force. His appointment follows his recent return from central deputation, where he served as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
A celebrated figure, Date is widely hailed for his courageous actions during the 26/11 terror attacks. As Additional Commissioner of Police (Central Region) at the time, he led a team that successfully pinned down terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail on the roof of Cama Hospital. Despite sustaining serious injuries from grenade splinters, he continued to engage the terrorists. His bravery earned him the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry. He carries the metallic splinters from that night to this day.
Date brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various key positions across both state and central agencies. His past roles include stints in the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), as the first Commissioner of Police for Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, and as Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) and Crime for the Mumbai Police. He has also held positions as DIG in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and IG (Operations) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Dr. Date holds a doctorate in Economic Offences from Pune University. He assumes leadership of the Maharashtra Police at a crucial time, as the state prepares for local body elections.
First Piper 