In the heart of Panna, Madhya Pradesh, a rural district steeped in history and inhabited by tribal communities, IPS officer Sai Krishna S. Thota is on a mission that few could have predicted. From the cosmopolitan life of Mumbai to working in a remote, forest-dominated area, Mr. Sai’s transition to policing in one of the most underdeveloped regions of India has been nothing short of remarkable. As the current Superintendent of Police (SP) in Panna, Mr. Sai confronts daily challenges—caste dynamics, financial fraud, and deep-rooted social structures—while seeking to bring justice and uplift the people in one of India’s most underserved areas.
But Sai Thota’s journey wasn’t always destined for the uniform. The story of how an IIT graduate, corporate consultant, and Princeton alum found his calling in the Indian Police Service (IPS) is filled with self-discovery, determination, and a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people.
From Consulting to Civil Service: The Search for Meaning
Born to a scientist father who worked at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mr. Sai was raised in an environment emphasizing science and technology. He pursued his engineering degree from IIT Mumbai, and a career in technology seemed inevitable. A polyglot who speaks Marathi, English, Hindi, and Telugu, Mr. Sai’s path initially led him to the corporate world. He worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company and was even involved in setting up the now-famous e-commerce platform, Jabong, during its early days.
During these years, however, a growing sense of dissatisfaction began to take root. “In the corporate world, you help the rich get richer. I wanted to see my contributions reflect directly on people,” he shares. This desire to make a tangible impact on society nudged him towards civil services. He started preparing for the UPSC exam in 2011, clearing it in 2012 and securing a position in the IRS. But Mr. Sai wasn’t content just yet. In 2013, his second attempt saw him successfully crack the exam and secure a position in the prestigious IPS.
Despite having spent years in the corporate world, Mr. Sai knew that public service offered the opportunity he sought to effect meaningful change. “I always wanted to give only two years to UPSC. After that, it was either corporate or civil services. Thankfully, I found my path in the IPS,” he told Indian Masterminds.
Challenges of Policing in a Tribal Region
Today, Mr. Sai’s challenges in Panna are far removed from those of his days in Mumbai’s corporate boardrooms. In Panna, he is tasked with policing a rural, tribal-dominated area where caste dynamics and socio-economic disparities add layers of complexity to everyday law enforcement.
“Panna is a unique district with its own set of challenges,” he explains. One of the major hurdles is navigating the deeply entrenched caste hierarchy. “Caste influences everything here, but as an outsider, I’m often viewed as neutral, which helps in diffusing some of the tension.”
Additionally, Panna’s rural population makes it vulnerable to new-age crimes like cyber fraud. Many of the residents are ill-equipped to handle digital threats, with local Jan Dhan accounts being misused by cybercriminals. “People are often duped through OTP frauds or other schemes. The cases may not be numerous, but they’re impactful because the people here are so innocent,” he shares. Under his leadership, the police have recovered over 20 lakhs in the past six to seven months, but Mr. Sai knows that tackling such crimes requires even more robust systems. “Using technology and AI can help us catch fraudsters faster and more efficiently.”
A Moment That Defined His Service
One of the most defining moments of Mr. Sai’s career came early on when he was handling a complaint about slum displacement. A woman approached him, fearing that she and her child would lose their only place to live. Mr. Sai dispatched his team to resolve the situation, doing what he believed was a routine duty.
Months later, the same woman returned, this time with her child and a small cheque for Rs. 300. She handed it to Mr. Sai with heartfelt blessings. “I had forgotten about the case, but this simple gesture moved me deeply. It reminded me why I chose civil services. I’ve framed that cheque in my office as a constant reminder of the impact we can have on people’s lives,” he says.
This experience solidified his belief in the power of direct service and continues to drive him to reach out to the tribal communities in Panna, making efforts to engage with the people and learn from their unique needs. “Policing here is not just about enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the community and finding ways to uplift them,” he adds.
Harnessing Technology for Smarter Policing
Mr. Sai’s vision for policing in Panna goes beyond traditional methods. He firmly believes that technology will play a key role in modernizing law enforcement, even in rural areas. With cyber fraud cases on the rise, he is looking to introduce more tech-driven approaches to handling these crimes. “AI and other technologies can be used to track patterns and stop fraudsters before they cause significant damage,” he notes. His innovative mindset is helping the police force keep pace with the evolving nature of crime in the digital age, even in remote corners like Panna.
For Sai P. Thota, the shift from a high-profile corporate career to public service has been a deeply rewarding one. The challenges of working in a tribal, underdeveloped region have taught him the value of patience, understanding, and the immense satisfaction that comes from helping others. “This place has given me more than I could ever give back. I’m learning every day, and it’s fulfilling to see the impact I can have on people’s lives,” he says.
Whether it’s through retrieving lost savings for a victim of cybercrime or protecting a vulnerable family from losing their home, Mr. Sai’s work in Panna is a testament to the real difference one can make in the lives of others. His story serves as an inspiration to many, showing that, no matter where you start, the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society can lead to profound and unexpected transformations.
