Sadanand Vasant Date, celebrated for his courageous actions during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has assumed leadership of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), according to an official statement on Sunday. The 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Maharashtra cadre, Date, succeeds Dinkar Gupta, who retired on the same day.
Established in response to the 2008 terror attacks, the NIA operates as the primary counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India.
Prior to his assignment with the NIA, Date served as the chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Maharashtra. His distinguished career includes significant roles such as Police Commissioner of Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar and Joint Commissioner of Law and Order and Crime Branch in Mumbai, according to the NIA statement.
Date’s experience extends beyond Maharashtra; he served two stints in the Indian government, holding positions in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as Deputy Inspector General and in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as Inspector General.
Recognised for his bravery, Date was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2008 for his valiant efforts in combating the terrorists during the infamous Mumbai attacks of November 2008.
Date has also received the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2007 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014.