Sanjay Pandey IPS Biography
Sanjay Pandey is a retired 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who served as the Commissioner of Mumbai Police during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. An alumnus of IIT-Kanpur, Pandey had a career that spanned over three decades in various roles within Maharashtra’s police force.
He retired from service in June 2022, but shortly after his retirement, he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged illegal phone tapping case involving employees of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). He was also linked to other controversies during his time as Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra.
Recently, in September 2024, Pandey joined the Indian National Congress ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. He expressed his desire to contest from the Versova constituency in Mumbai, citing his long-standing wish to enter politics.
Sanjay Pandey Age
Sanjay Pandey was born in 1962, making him 62 years old as of 2024.
Sanjay Pandey Hometown
Sanjay Pandey hails from the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Sanjay Pandey Educational Background
Sanjay Pandey has an impressive educational background. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he pursued his graduation.
Sanjay Pandey Career
Sanjay Pandey’s career has been a long, challenging journey marked by both accolades and controversies. A 1986-batch IPS officer, Pandey served in various high-profile roles within the Maharashtra police force, including his most prominent post as the Commissioner of Mumbai Police. His career spanned more than three decades, and he was known for his “no-nonsense” approach to law enforcement. Below is an extensive overview of his career, touching on key postings, challenges, and his ultimate transition into politics.
Early Career and Notable Postings
Sanjay Pandey began his career as an IPS officer in 1986, and over the years, he held various postings in Maharashtra. He first made a mark during his tenure in the Dharavi area of Mumbai, post the 1992-93 riots, where his strict handling of law and order earned him a strong reputation. The people in Dharavi, one of the most densely populated areas, began to call him “Dharavi Wale Pandey Ji.” His handling of sensitive areas like Dharavi played a significant role in his early career, making him one of the most recognized police officers in the city.
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Economic Offenses and High-Profile Cases
In 1998, as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Economic Offences Wing, Pandey led the investigation into the infamous Cobbler Scam. This case involved fraudulent bank loans taken by individuals posing as members of a cobbler’s society. The case had political links, and Pandey’s thorough investigation led to his sudden transfer to Jalna, a move that many saw as politically motivated.
Resignation and Return
Pandey resigned from the police force in the early 2000s, even contesting elections during this period. However, the state government did not accept his resignation for over a year, leading him to return to the police force. He resumed service and continued to work in different capacities, but his career was often marred by political interference, which led to several sidelined postings. Despite this, he continued to serve with integrity and was eventually brought back into higher positions, reflecting his resilience and dedication to public service.
Central Deputation and Court Battles
At one point in his career, Pandey was on central deputation, where he worked with the Prime Minister’s security unit. However, after facing multiple side postings and long periods of “compulsory waiting” with no active role, he was forced to approach the courts. In one notable instance, he fought a legal battle to get a suitable posting after being kept waiting for three years. It was only after a court ruling in his favor that he was appointed as Director General of the Home Guards.
Appointment as Mumbai Police Commissioner
Sanjay Pandey’s career reached a high point when he was appointed as the Mumbai Police Commissioner in February 2022, just a few months before his scheduled retirement. Despite being a short-term appointment, his tenure as Mumbai’s top cop was notable. He took over at a time of political and administrative turbulence, managing the city’s law and order with his characteristic firm hand. However, this period would also be marked by significant legal challenges that would cast a shadow over his retirement.
The NSE Phone Tapping Case
One of the most controversial chapters in Pandey’s career was his involvement in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) phone-tapping scandal. In July 2022, shortly after his retirement, Pandey was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly being involved in the illegal tapping of phones at the NSE. He was accused of using a private firm to conduct the surveillance between 2009 and 2017. While this case has led to his arrest and bail, it remains an unresolved issue and a major blot on his otherwise distinguished career.
Transition to Politics
After retiring from the police force and facing legal battles, Sanjay Pandey made the leap into politics. In September 2024, he officially joined the Indian National Congress, citing his long-standing desire to enter active politics. Pandey expressed his commitment to secularism and his hopes of contesting in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, representing the Versova constituency in Mumbai.
Sanjay Pandey Wife and Children
Details about Sanjay Pandey’s personal life, including his wife and children, are not widely publicized. As a high-ranking police officer, his professional life has garnered more attention than his personal life, and it appears he has kept his family matters private.
Sanjay Pandey Net Worth
Sanjay Pandey has an estimated net worth of $1.3 million as of 2024.
FAQs
Who is Sanjay Pandey?
Sanjay Pandey is a retired 1986-batch IPS officer who served in various prominent roles within the Maharashtra Police, including as the Mumbai Police Commissioner. He is also an alumnus of IIT-Kanpur.
What positions has Sanjay Pandey held?
Sanjay Pandey has held several key positions during his career, including as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Maharashtra and the Commissioner of Mumbai Police.
What is Sanjay Pandey known for?
Pandey is known for his no-nonsense approach to law enforcement, strict adherence to the rule of law, and handling sensitive cases like the post-1992 Mumbai riots and the Cobbler scam investigation.
When did Sanjay Pandey retire?
Sanjay Pandey retired from the IPS in June 2022 after serving more than three decades in various roles within the Maharashtra police.
Has Sanjay Pandey entered politics?
Yes, after his retirement, Sanjay Pandey joined the Indian National Congress in September 2024, with plans to contest in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
What controversies has Sanjay Pandey been involved in?
Pandey has been linked to several controversies, including his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in 2022 in connection with a phone-tapping case related to the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
Which constituency is Sanjay Pandey contesting from?
Pandey is expected to contest from the Versova constituency in Mumbai, which has a large North Indian voter base.
Has Sanjay Pandey been recognized for his work?
Yes, Pandey has been recognized for his unbiased handling of the post-1992 Mumbai riots, which earned him praise from human rights organizations like Amnesty International.
