Akun Sabharwal: Profile, Wife, Family, Education and Work

Akun Sabharwal, IPS: A Profile of Dedication and Controversy

Introduction

Akun Sabharwal, an IPS officer of the 2001 batch, has carved a name for himself in the Indian law enforcement landscape with his service across various capacities. Known for his work in drug control and intelligence, Sabharwal's career has been marked by both commendable service and moments of public scrutiny. This article details his journey, from his educational background to his professional milestones, including personal life, recent news, and controversies.

Family Background

Born in 1976 in Patiala, Punjab, Akun Sabharwal comes from a family with a strong inclination towards service. His father was a retired officer in the Indian Air Force, instilling in him a sense of discipline and duty. Details about his siblings or extended family remain less publicized, maintaining a degree of privacy typical among civil servants.

Educational Qualifications

• Early Education: Akun completed his schooling in Kurukshetra, Haryana, setting a foundation for his academic pursuits.
• Medical Degree: Initially, Sabharwal pursued a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Patiala Dental College, reflecting an early interest in healthcare.
• Police Management: Later, he enhanced his skills with a Postgraduate Degree in Police Management, showcasing his commitment to a career in law enforcement.

Career Graph

Initial Steps:

• Dental Practice to Civil Services: After his dental education, Sabharwal decided to venture into the civil services, clearing the UPSC exam with an All India Rank of 146 in 2001.
• Early Postings: He began his career with roles that included drug control and prohibition, leveraging his medical background in policy-making and enforcement.

Rising Through Ranks:

• Intelligence: A significant part of his career was spent in intelligence roles, including a stint as Consul of India in San Francisco, where he was suspected of intelligence operations among the Sikh diaspora.
• Central Deputation: Sabharwal has served on central deputation, working with intelligence agencies, which is indicative of his specialized skills in this area.
• Recent Assignments: As of recent updates, he has been recalled to Telangana at the special request of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, focusing on transforming the state into a drug-free zone, especially in light of rising drug cases linked to Tollywood.

Personal Life - Wife and Offspring

• Marriage: Akun Sabharwal is married to Smita Sabharwal, a senior IAS officer known for her work in Telangana. Their marriage is a union of two high-profile civil servants, often working in different capacities but supporting each other's careers.
• Children: Together, they have two children. While details about their children are kept private, it's known that the family manages the challenges of both parents having demanding careers in public service.

Recent News and Controversies

• Return to Telangana: In late 2024, Sabharwal was brought back to Telangana to tackle drug issues, a move seen as leveraging his expertise in drug control.
• Controversies:
  • Sikh Community Surveillance: During his tenure in San Francisco, allegations surfaced that he was involved in monitoring and possibly intimidating the Sikh community, leading to his expulsion from the US, although these claims were never officially confirmed.
  • High-Profile Transfers: His transfers, especially back to Telangana, have sparked discussions on political influence in administrative postings.

Top Ten Interesting Facts About Akun Sabharwal

1. From Dentist to IPS: His career shift from dentistry to becoming an IPS officer is notably unique.
2. UPSC Rank: Secured an impressive All India Rank of 146 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
3. Intelligence Work: Known for his roles in intelligence, particularly in sensitive operations abroad.
4. Family of Servants: His father's background in the Air Force might have influenced his service-oriented career.
5. Educational Background: Holds a medical degree, which is rare among IPS officers.
6. Power Couple: His marriage to Smita Sabharwal, another high-ranking civil servant, adds an interesting dimension to his personal life.
7. Drug Control Expertise: His work in drug control has been pivotal, especially in regions like Telangana.
8. Controversial International Assignment: His time in San Francisco was mired in allegations of community surveillance.
9. Recent Recall: His return to Telangana was at the behest of the state's Chief Minister, highlighting his specialized role.
10. Balancing Career and Family: Manages a busy professional life alongside raising a family with both parents in demanding civil service roles.

Conclusion

Akun Sabharwal's career is a blend of dedication to public service and the complexities that come with high-profile positions in law enforcement and intelligence. His journey from a dental practitioner to a key figure in drug control policies illustrates his adaptability and commitment to diverse roles within the Indian administrative framework. While controversies have occasionally shadowed his career, his focus on drug control and intelligence has left a significant mark on his professional legacy. His personal life, intertwined with another civil servant, showcases the challenges and dynamics of maintaining a family in the public eye.