The Uttar Pradesh government recently posted 23 trainee IPS officers to various districts, and among them, one name has captured widespread attention — Mr. Abhay Daga. Known to many for his portrayal of Shatrughan in the popular TV serial Siya Ke Ram, the 2024-batch IPS officer has now been posted to the Agra Commissionerate for his first field assignment. He will undergo 34 weeks of intensive district training, covering police procedures, field operations, and departmental functioning. His entry into field service marks the beginning of a promising career blending technology, creativity, and disciplined policing.
A Brilliant Academic Who Chose Service Over a Corporate Career
Mr. Daga’s journey to the IPS stands out for its exceptional academic credentials. After qualifying JEE in 2013, he completed a dual degree (BTech + MTech) in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. His scholastic excellence was evident from early years — he was a KVPY scholar, NTSE scholar, and a Regional Mathematics Olympiad qualifier. Following his IIT years, he worked at Microsoft in its Digital Security and Risk Engineering division as a Software Engineer and Program Manager. Yet, despite a high-profile corporate career, he stepped away from the private sector four years ago to pursue his long-term aspiration of joining public service.
An Actor, Technologist, and Now Police Officer
In addition to his technical background, Mr. Daga has always maintained a creative edge. His passion for theatre led him to acting, and in 2018 he earned a role in Siya Ke Ram, where he played Shatrughan. This combination of artistic expression and analytical brilliance gives him a rare balance of empathy, communication, and problem-solving — qualities that suit modern policing. His diverse experiences help him understand people, situations, and systems with depth and sensitivity.
Cracking UPSC With Determination and Purpose
Mr. Daga secured All India Rank 185 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, earning him a place in the prestigious IPS cadre. With strong analytical skills and a background in digital security, he brings critical expertise to the police force, especially in areas such as cybercrime prevention, online fraud investigation, and emerging digital threats. His transformation from an IIT engineer and corporate professional to a police officer reflects a deep commitment to national service.
Rooted in Service and Supported by a Family of Doctors
A resident of Wardha, Maharashtra, Mr. Daga comes from a family devoted to healthcare. His parents, Dr. Rajendra Daga and Dr. Meena Daga, are both respected pediatricians. Their commitment to community welfare has deeply influenced his administrative and developmental vision. As he begins his field training in Agra, expectations are high that he will blend tech-driven strategies with community-oriented policing to strengthen law and order.
