Vishwas Nangare Patil: IPS Officer, 26/11 Hero & Anti-Corruption Leader

Year	Award/Recognition	Awarding Authority	Description
2015	President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG)	President of India	For extraordinary bravery during 2008 Mumbai attacks
Throughout Career	Multiple Commendations	Maharashtra Government	Outstanding service and dedication
Various Years	Service Medals	Government of India	Meritorious service in policing

Notable Achievements:

1. 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Hero:
   • Confronted terrorists at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel without bulletproof vest
   • Shot one terrorist in the leg with his Glock pistol
   • Saved hundreds of lives in the Crystal Hall (marriage hall)
   • Continued operations despite bodyguard being killed and another injured
2. Professional Excellence:
   • Successfully handled multiple high-profile cases
   • Implemented innovative policing strategies across various districts
   • Led teams during critical law and order situations
3. Administrative Reforms:
   • Improved police-public relations in Aurangabad Range
   • Implemented professional standards (including ban on film songs as ringtones for officers)
   • Strengthened anti-corruption measures in Maharashtra

The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks – Act of Bravery

Vishwas Nangare Patil’s Heroic Role

On 26th November 2008, when terrorists attacked Mumbai, Vishwas Nangare Patil was serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-1 in South Mumbai. His actions that night exemplified extraordinary courage and saved countless lives.

The Confrontation at Taj Hotel:

• Vishwas Nangare Patil rushed to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel when news of the attack broke
• He entered the hotel without a bulletproof vest, armed only with his service Glock pistol
• Confronted terrorists directly in a face-to-face encounter
• Shot one terrorist in the leg during the fierce gunfight
• Prevented terrorists from entering the Crystal Hall (marriage hall) where a wedding was taking place
• His quick action saved hundreds of guests who would have been trapped

Personal Sacrifice:

• One of his bodyguards was killed in action during the encounter
• Another bodyguard was seriously injured
• Despite the danger and losses, IPS Vishwas Nangare Patil continued the operation
• Showed exemplary leadership under extreme pressure

Recognition: In 2015, seven years after the attacks, Vishwas Nangare Patil was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry for his exceptional bravery and role in counterterrorist operations during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

“If he had not acted that night, many more innocent people would have died in the Crystal Hall. His courage under fire saved lives.” – Fellow officers

Administrative Positions Held

	Position	Period	Responsibilities
1	Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) – Dhule	Late 1990s	Sub-divisional policing, initial field experience
2	Additional Superintendent of Police – Nanded	Late 1990s – Early 2000s	Law enforcement, crime investigation support
3	Superintendent of Police – Latur	2002–2004	District-level policing, crime management
4	Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-1) – South Mumbai	2008	Urban policing, confronted terrorists during 26/11
5	Superintendent of Police – Thane Rural	2010–2011	Rural district administration, law and order
6	Additional Commissioner of Police – Mumbai (West Region)	2011 onwards	Regional policing coordination
7	Special Inspector General of Police – Aurangabad Range	2015–2016	Multi-district oversight, strategic planning
8	Special Inspector General of Police – Kolhapur	2015–2016	Regional law enforcement
9	Commissioner of Police – Nashik City	2020–2022	City policing, urban safety
10	Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) – Mumbai	September 2020 – December 2022	Law and order in Mumbai
11	Additional Director General of Police – Anti-Corruption Bureau	December 2022 – Present	Fighting corruption in Maharashtra

Detailed Biography

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born on 1st June 1973 in Maharashtra, Vishwas Narayan Nangare Patil grew up in an era when civil services represented the pinnacle of public service in India. Coming from the Maratha community, he was raised with strong values of courage, service, and integrity—qualities that would define his illustrious career.

The young Vishwas Nangare Patil was an earnest student who understood early that education was the pathway to making a difference in society. Growing up in Maharashtra, he witnessed both the challenges faced by ordinary citizens and the potential of good governance to transform lives.

Educational Journey

Vishwas Nangare Patil’s academic journey was marked by consistent dedication and focus. He completed his schooling and graduation in Maharashtra, always maintaining high standards of academic performance. However, it was his decision to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination that would change his life trajectory.

The UPSC preparation phase was challenging, as it is for most aspirants. Vishwas Nangare Patil had to master a vast syllabus, develop analytical skills, and compete with thousands of brilliant minds across India. Through systematic study, unwavering determination, and strong mental fortitude, he successfully cleared the examination in 1996.

Joining IPS – 1997 Batch

After clearing UPSC, Vishwas Nangare Patil was allocated the Indian Police Service—a choice that would allow him to serve on the front lines of law enforcement. He joined the prestigious 1997 IPS batch and underwent rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad.

The training transformed the civil services aspirant into a professional police officer, equipping him with:

• Physical fitness and combat skills
• Legal knowledge and investigation techniques
• Leadership and crisis management
• Weapons training and tactical operations
• Ethics and human rights awareness

Early Career Postings

As Assistant Superintendent of Police – Dhule: His first posting was in Dhule, where Vishwas Nangare Patil learned the grassroots realities of Indian policing. The experience of working in rural and semi-urban areas gave him invaluable insights into community policing and ground-level law enforcement challenges.

As Additional Superintendent of Police – Nanded: The Nanded posting further honed his skills in crime investigation and maintaining law and order. Each posting was a learning experience that prepared him for bigger responsibilities ahead.

As Superintendent of Police – Latur (2002-2004): His tenure as SP Latur demonstrated his capability to handle district-level policing. He successfully managed law and order, implemented crime prevention strategies, and built strong community relations.

The Night That Changed Everything – 26/11 Mumbai Attacks

26th November 2008 – A date that would forever be etched in Indian history and in the life of Vishwas Nangare Patil.

The Attack Begins: When news broke that terrorists had attacked multiple locations across Mumbai, Vishwas Nangare Patil was serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Zone-1 in South Mumbai. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the prime targets, fell within his jurisdiction.

The Decision: As terrorists stormed the iconic Taj Hotel, IPS Vishwas Nangare Patil faced a critical decision. He could wait for special forces, coordinate from outside, or act immediately despite minimal resources. He chose action.

The Encounter: Vishwas Nangare Patil entered the Taj Hotel armed with just his service Glock pistol and without a bulletproof vest—a decision that shocked even his colleagues but demonstrated extraordinary courage. Inside, he came face-to-face with heavily armed terrorists.

In the fierce gunfight that followed:

• He shot one terrorist in the leg
• His bodyguard was killed in action
• Another bodyguard was seriously injured
• He prevented terrorists from reaching the Crystal Hall where a wedding was in progress
• His actions saved hundreds of potential hostages

The Aftermath: While Mumbai grieved and India mourned, Vishwas Nangare Patil continued his duties. Despite personal loss (his bodyguard’s death) and the trauma of the encounter, he remained focused on his responsibilities.

The Recognition: Seven years later, in 2015, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry—one of India’s highest police honors. While some questioned the delay in recognition, the award acknowledged his exceptional bravery during India’s darkest counter-terrorism operation.

Career Progression Post-26/11

Superintendent of Police – Thane Rural (2010-2011): Vishwas Nangare Patil demonstrated that heroism in crisis doesn’t diminish the importance of routine policing. In Thane Rural, he focused on:

• Rural crime prevention
• Community policing
• Infrastructure development
• Officer training and welfare

Additional Commissioner of Police – Mumbai (2011): Promoted to Additional Commissioner of Police for Mumbai’s West Region, he handled strategic policing responsibilities in India’s financial capital.

Special Inspector General of Police – Aurangabad Range (2015-2016): In this regional command, Vishwas Nangare Patil implemented several reforms:

• Professional conduct standards (including the famous ban on film songs as ringtones)
• Improved police-public relations
• Expedited handling of preventive action proposals
• Enhanced coordination among districts

Special IG – Kolhapur (2015-2016): Continued his commitment to professional policing and administrative excellence.

Commissioner of Police – Nashik City (2020-2022): As Nashik’s top cop, Vishwas Nangare Patil:

• Managed urban policing in a major Maharashtra city
• Handled COVID-19 pandemic-related law enforcement
• Strengthened crime prevention mechanisms
• Enhanced citizen services

Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) – Mumbai (2020-2022): Returning to Mumbai in a senior capacity, he oversaw law and order in the megacity, handling complex challenges including:

• Managing large-scale public events
• Coordinating multi-agency operations
• Preventing and responding to security threats
• Maintaining communal harmony

Current Role – Fighting Corruption

Additional Director General of Police – Anti-Corruption Bureau (December 2022 – Present):

In his current role, Vishwas Nangare Patil leads Maharashtra’s fight against corruption. This appointment reflects the government’s trust in his integrity and investigative capabilities. As ADGP of ACB, he:

• Investigates corruption cases against public servants
• Implements anti-corruption strategies
• Coordinates with other investigating agencies
• Promotes transparency in governance
• Mentors ACB officers

This role is particularly significant because someone who risked his life to protect citizens is now protecting the integrity of governance itself.

Literary Contributions

Beyond policing, Vishwas Nangare Patil has contributed to society through his writing:

“मन में है विश्वास” (2016): This motivational book shares his philosophy of self-belief and determination. The title itself—”There is faith in the heart”—reflects his optimistic worldview.

“कर हर मैदान फतह” (2021): Meaning “Conquer Every Field,” this book inspires readers to overcome challenges and achieve success. It has been particularly praised for motivating self-learners and aspirants

The Enduring Legacy of Vishwas Nangare Patil

Vishwas Nangare Patil, IPS since 1997, exemplifies courage, integrity, and dedication. A 26/11 hero, he bravely confronted terrorists at the Taj Hotel. Today, as ADGP of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, he fights corruption while inspiring youth through his books. Despite his demanding career, he remains a devoted husband and father, leaving a lasting legacy of service and mentorship.

Final Reflection:

“When terrorists attacked on 26/11, Vishwas Nangare Patil didn’t calculate risks or wait for orders. He acted. When corruption threatens governance, he investigates. When youth need inspiration, he writes. This is the essence of public service—acting when action is needed, serving where service matters.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is Vishwas Nangare Patil?

A: Vishwas Narayan Nangare Patil is an IPS officer of the 1997 batch, currently serving as Additional Director General of Police in the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Maharashtra. He is famous for his bravery during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks when he confronted terrorists at the Taj Hotel.

Q2: What did Vishwas Nangare Patil do during 26/11?

A: As DCP Zone-1 South Mumbai, Vishwas Nangare Patil entered the Taj Hotel without a bulletproof vest, armed only with his Glock pistol. He shot one terrorist in the leg and prevented them from entering the Crystal Hall where a wedding was happening, saving hundreds of lives. His bodyguard was killed during this encounter.

Q3: When was Vishwas Nangare Patil born?

A: Vishwas Nangare Patil was born on 1st June 1973, making him 52 years old as of 2026.

Q4: What is the current position of IPS Vishwas Nangare Patil?

A: He currently serves as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Maharashtra, a position he has held since December 2022.

Q5: Is Vishwas Nangare Patil married?

A: Yes, Vishwas Nangare Patil is married to Janhavi and has a son named Ranveer.

Q6: What awards has Vishwas Nangare Patil received?

A: In 2015, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) for his exceptional bravery during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Q7: Which IPS batch does Vishwas Nangare Patil belong to?

A: Vishwas Nangare Patil belongs to the 1997 IPS batch, Maharashtra cadre.

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