Mumbai: Mumbai’s famed 'Encounter Specialist' Daya Nayak, who rose to prominence during the city’s bloody underworld era of the 1990s, retired from the police force on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Nayak, who joined the Mumbai Police in 1995, concluded a 31-year-long service with a promotion to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) just two days before his retirement.
Daya Nayak's Heartfelt Social Media Post After Retirement
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Nayak announced his retirement, expressing gratitude for his journey in the police force. “After 31 years of dedicated service in the police department, I retire today with deep pride and gratitude,” he wrote, adding that he was honoured to have served the state and the nation. He thanked his seniors, colleagues and the public and noted that the discipline of the uniform would stay with him in the next chapter of his life.
Mumbai's Encounter Specialist, Gunned Down 86 Gangsters
Daya Nayak is best known for eliminating nearly 86 gangsters associated with notorious dons Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan during the 1990s, a time when Mumbai was plagued by rampant underworld violence. While his methods were controversial and drew criticism from human rights bodies, he was widely viewed by the public as a hero who played a key role in restoring law and order in the city.
From Udupi To Mumbai Streets
Born in Udupi, Karnataka, Nayak came from a humble Konkani-speaking family. He studied in a Kannada-medium school until Class 7 before moving to Mumbai in 1979. While working in a hotel, he completed his Class 12 education at a Goregaon municipal school and later graduated from CES College, Andheri.
His career, though illustrious, was not without controversy. In 2004, Nayak came under the scanner for alleged disproportionate assets. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raided his home, and he was arrested. However, after investigation, he was cleared of the charges and reinstated. Despite being suspended again in 2014, he returned to duty in 2016.
Key Involvement In High-Profile Cases
Nayak was also involved in several high-profile cases, including the firing incident outside Salman Khan’s home, Baba Siddique’s murder case, a bomb scare at Anil Ambani’s residence and a theft at Saif Ali Khan’s house. His dramatic life even inspired a Bollywood film. With his retirement, Mumbai bids farewell to one of its most iconic and controversial police officers.
