PATNA, Oct. 10 -- Former IPS officer (2006 batch) Shivdeep Wamanrao Lande has formally announced to contest in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Lande went live on social media late on Wednesday to declare that he will contest as an independent candidate from two constituencies - Jamalpur and Araria - where he had earlier served as ASP and SP, respectively. He began his policing career with his first posting at Jamalpur (Munger) and later served as SP Araria, City SP Patna, SP Rohtas, DIG Koshi Range, and IG Tirhut and Purnea Ranges. Lande, who was last posted as IG Training, had tendered his resignation on September 19, 2024, while serving as IG Purnea Range - a position he had assumed on September 6. Shortly after his resignation, he was transferred to the headquarters and assigned the role of IG Training, reportedly after two of his controversial supervision reports. Despite speculation about leaving Bihar, Lande had clarified that he would stay in the state and continue contributing to its welfare. Jamalpur holds special significance for Lande, as it was his first posting, where he earned a strong reputation among locals. Araria, meanwhile, has been a district where he remained active through social work. Expressing confidence, Lande said he believes the people will "vote for honesty and service." The 49-year-old former IPS officer is the son-in-law of Vijay Shivtare, a Shiv Sena leader and former Maharashtra minister. Earlier in April this year, Lande had announced the formation of a new political outfit, the 'Hindu Sena Party', which he said would contest the Bihar Assembly polls. However, he added that the party is yet to be registered. His resignation from service was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on January 16, citing personal reasons. "In the past few months, I visited villages and backward areas, where the ground realities inspired me to enter politics. My political party 'Hindu Sena' has not yet been registered, but I am determined to contest and win the elections," said Lande, adding that it is time for honest and nationalist-minded individuals to join politics and bring about systemic change....