The Thuggee and Dacoity Department was an organ of the East India Company, and inherited by British India, which was established in 1830 with the mission of addressing dacoity (banditry), highway robbery, and particularly the Thugee cult of robbers. Among the Department's more recognised members was Colonel William Sleeman, who headed the outfit from 1835–39 and is known as the man who "eliminated" the Thugee. In 1874, Sir Edward Bradford, 1st Baronet was made General Superintendent of the Thuggee and Dacoit Department.