By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the premature repatriation of National Investigation Agency Director General Sadanand Vasant Date to his parent cadre, Maharashtra. Following the decision, intense speculation has begun within security and administrative circles over the appointment of the next NIA chief. Several senior and experienced IPS officers with backgrounds in counter-terrorism, intelligence and internal security are said to be in the race. An official announcement on Date’s successor is expected soon, as the Centre moves to ensure continuity in the agency’s leadership.