Daya Nayak Promoted to ACP Just Before Retirement – A Legacy Cemented

Just two days before his scheduled retirement, Mumbai’s famed encounter specialist, Daya Nayak, was promoted to the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). Known for his fearlessness and sharp investigative acumen, Nayak’s promotion on July 29 marks the culmination of a storied career in the Mumbai Police, spanning nearly three decades.

From Beat Duty to Crime Branch Fame

Daya Nayak joined the Mumbai Police in 1995, initially serving at the Juhu Police Station. He quickly gained notoriety in the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of Mumbai’s elite encounter squad, a special unit focused on combating organized crime through aggressive policing.

Over the course of his career, Nayak is credited with gunning down 87 gangsters, many of whom were associated with India’s most feared crime syndicates led by Dawood Ibrahim, Arun Gawli, Amar Naik, and Chhota Rajan. His operations largely contributed to dismantling underworld influence in Mumbai.
 

Bollywood Inspired by His Life

Nayak’s journey from a humble beginning to becoming a household name in Indian policing inspired several Bollywood films, including Ab Tak Chhappan and Department, which portrayed gritty narratives of police bravery and ethical dilemmas within the force.
 

Suspension and Legal Battle
 

In 2006, Nayak’s illustrious career took a controversial turn when he was suspended following allegations made by former journalist Ketan Tirodkar. The Anti-Corruption Bureau accused him of owning disproportionate assets. However, the Supreme Court quashed all charges in 2012, leading to his reinstatement in the force.

Despite the setback, Nayak remained committed to his duties and regained his position in Mumbai’s Crime Branch, continuing his crusade against criminals.
 

High-Profile Investigations

In recent years, Nayak was instrumental in solving several high-profile cases, including:

• The firing incident outside Salman Khan’s residence.
• The murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique.
• The attack on actor Saif Ali Khan.
• The Antilia bomb scare case, involving a car laden with explosives parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence, and the linked murder of Mansukh Hiren.
   

His involvement in these complex investigations showcased his sharp investigative instincts and established him as one of Mumbai’s most reliable crime fighters.
 

Retirement With Honour

Alongside Nayak, senior inspectors Jeevan Kharat, Deepak Dalvi, and Pandurang Pawar—all set to retire on July 31—were also promoted. The symbolic elevation to ACP rank just before retirement is seen as the department’s recognition of their lifetime service.

For Nayak, this promotion is not just a rank but a testament to a career marked by bravery, controversy, redemption, and enduring commitment to public safety.

As Daya Nayak steps into retirement, his legacy remains firmly entrenched in the annals of Mumbai Police history—a figure who fought crime on the frontlines and came out with both scars and medals.