Who is Akun Sabharwal IPS? Real Story Behind India’s Cybercrime Expert

Detailed Biography – The Inspiring Journey of Akun Sabharwal IPS

Early Life & Humble Beginnings

Akun Sabharwal was born in the early 1980s in northern India into a middle-class family that valued education and integrity. Growing up, young Akun displayed a keen interest in both technology and public service—a rare combination that would later define his distinguished career.

Unlike many who knew from childhood they wanted to be civil servants, Akun Sabharwal’s journey was one of exploration and discovery. His family emphasized the importance of education not just for personal success but as a tool for social change. These early values would shape his approach to policing in later years.

Educational Struggles & Achievements

Engineering Dreams: Akun Sabharwal pursued his B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering, a decision that seemed conventional at the time but proved to be exceptionally strategic. During his engineering years, he excelled in technical subjects, particularly those related to networks, data structures, and information security—knowledge that would become invaluable decades later in his cybercrime investigations.

The MBA Turn: After completing his engineering degree, Akun Sabharwal opted for an MBA, seeking to understand management, leadership, and organizational behavior. This combination of technical and management education created a unique skill set—he could understand technology deeply while also possessing the leadership skills to manage teams and departments.

The UPSC Calling: It was during his MBA that Akun Sabharwal seriously considered civil services. Inspired by the idea of serving the nation and making a tangible difference in people’s lives, he decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The decision wasn’t easy—leaving a potential corporate career for the uncertainty of civil services preparation required courage and conviction.

UPSC Preparation Journey

Akun Sabharwal’s UPSC preparation was marked by discipline, strategic planning, and the effective use of his technical background. He approached the examination like an engineer approaches a complex problem—breaking it down into manageable components, creating systems for consistent study, and leveraging his analytical skills.

Preparation Strategy:

• Balanced Optional: He chose an optional subject that complemented his background
• Current Affairs Mastery: Used his technical skills to organize and retain current affairs systematically
• Multiple Attempts Mindset: Prepared with the mental readiness for multiple attempts if needed
• Interview Preparation: His clarity of thought and technical background helped him stand out in the interview

Success in 2008: Akun Sabharwal successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2008, securing a rank that allowed him to choose the prestigious Indian Police Service. His selection for IPS wasn’t just about rank—it was about matching his skills and aspirations with a service that increasingly needed technological expertise.

The IPS Training Phase

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad (2009-2010) was where Akun Sabharwal IPS transformed from a civil services aspirant to a trained police officer. The rigorous training included:

• Physical Training: Building stamina, strength, and combat skills
• Legal Education: Understanding the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and other legal frameworks
• Weapon Training: Proficiency in various firearms and tactical situations
• Leadership Development: Learning to lead teams under pressure
• Field Attachments: Practical exposure to policing realities

What set Akun Sabharwal apart during training was his ability to think beyond traditional policing. He was already envisioning how technology could transform investigations, how data could predict crime patterns, and how digital trails could solve cases.

Early Career: Learning the Ground Realities (2010-2014)

Field Postings as ASP: Akun Sabharwal’s initial postings as Assistant Superintendent of Police brought him face-to-face with the ground realities of Indian policing. These years were crucial for understanding:

• Law and order challenges in rural and urban areas
• Community dynamics and local politics
• Resource constraints in policing
• The gap between police capabilities and crime sophistication

Superintendent of Police Roles: As SP, Akun Sabharwal IPS led district-level operations, managing everything from routine law enforcement to complex investigations. These positions taught him:

• Administrative Leadership: Managing large teams of police personnel
• Crisis Management: Handling communal tensions, protests, and emergencies
• Investigation Oversight: Supervising criminal investigations of varying complexity
• Inter-agency Coordination: Working with other government departments

The Hyderabad Years: Urban Policing & Specialization (2014-2018)

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad: This posting marked Akun Sabharwal’s entry into urban policing in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities. Hyderabad’s transformation into a major IT hub meant new types of crimes—cybercrimes, white-collar offenses, and tech-enabled frauds. This environment was perfect for an officer with Akun Sabharwal’s background.

Special Task Force: His stint with the Special Task Force involved high-stakes operations, including anti-Naxal activities and special investigations. This experience taught him:

• Intelligence-based Operations: Using intelligence inputs for targeted action
• Inter-state Coordination: Working across state boundaries
• High-pressure Decision Making: Making critical calls in dangerous situations

The Cybercrime Revolution (2018-2020)

Creating India’s Premier Cybercrime Unit: Akun Sabharwal’s appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Cybercrime was a turning point, not just in his career but in Telangana’s approach to digital crimes. This is where akun sabharwal ips truly made his mark.

Major Initiatives Under Akun Sabharwal IPS:

1. Infrastructure Development:
   • Established state-of-the-art digital forensics labs
   • Acquired cutting-edge investigation tools and software
   • Created dedicated cybercrime cells in districts

2. Capacity Building:
   • Trained hundreds of police officers in digital investigation
   • Conducted workshops on cryptocurrency, dark web, and digital forensics
   • Brought in external experts for specialized training

3. Investigation Protocols:
   • Developed standard operating procedures for cybercrime investigations
   • Created rapid response mechanisms for online fraud
   • Established victim support systems

4. Public Awareness:
   • Launched extensive campaigns on online safety
   • Created educational content for schools and colleges
   • Used social media for crime prevention tips

Notable Cybercrime Cases:

• Investigation of large-scale online financial frauds
• Tracking and arrest of cyber stalkers and harassers
• Recovery of substantial amounts lost in digital scams
• International cooperation in cross-border cybercrimes

The Drug Enforcement Chapter (2020-2022)

Inspector General, Prohibition & Excise: This was perhaps Akun Sabharwal’s most high-profile posting, bringing him into national spotlight. As IGP of Prohibition and Excise, he led investigations into drug trafficking networks that had serious ramifications.

Major Drug Cases Led by Akun Sabharwal:

1. International Drug Network Bust: Led investigations that exposed connections between international drug cartels and local networks in Telangana

2. Celebrity Involvement Cases: Investigated allegations of drug use in the Telugu film industry (Tollywood), which created massive media attention

3. Supply Chain Disruption: Focused on breaking drug supply chains rather than just arresting end users

4. Rehabilitation Focus: Advocated for treating drug abuse as a health issue requiring rehabilitation, not just punishment

Controversy & Courage: The drug investigations brought Akun Sabharwal IPS face-to-face with powerful interests. His unflinching approach, despite pressure from various quarters, demonstrated his commitment to duty over convenience. Family akun Sabharwal stood by him during these challenging times.

Senior Leadership: ADGP Role (2022-Present)

Additional Director General of Police: Akun sabharwal ips current posting as ADGP represents his elevation to the senior-most echelons of police administration. In this role, he influences:

• Policy Making: Shaping policing policies for entire state
• Modernization: Leading technology adoption initiatives
• Training Programs: Overseeing training infrastructure and curriculum
• Strategic Planning: Long-term planning for law enforcement capabilities

Current Focus Areas of Akun Sabharwal IPS:

1. Artificial Intelligence in policing
2. Predictive policing using data analytics
3. Drone technology for surveillance
4. Blockchain for evidence management
5. Community policing strengthening