Kanpur: IPS officer Akhil Kumar, a 1994 batch Uttar Pradesh cadre officer, who rose to prominence for his encounter with notorious dacoit Nirbhay Gurjar in 2005, has recently been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This major central government posting marks a significant milestone in the distinguished career of the officer.
Mr Kumar was widely appreciated for his proactive and effective policing during his tenure as Kanpur Police Commissioner. However, his sudden transfer has reportedly caused disappointment among the local populace and stakeholders who valued his leadership and efforts in maintaining law and order in the city. This major central government posting now marks a significant milestone in the distinguished career of the officer.
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Early Life and Educational Background
Mr Kumar was born on January 1, 1972, in Begusarai, Bihar. Son of Jitendra Prasad, he has an impressive academic profile. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Civil Engineering and has completed multiple postgraduate degrees including a Master’s in International Affairs and a Master of Philosophy in Defense and Strategy. His academic qualifications have complemented his versatile policing career and administrative capabilities.
Distinguished Police Career
Mr Kumar joined the Indian Police Service in 1994, securing his place in the prestigious UPSC exam in his first attempt. Over the years, he has served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in numerous districts across Uttar Pradesh, including Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Ghazipur, Deoria, Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, and Amroha.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2005 while he was posted as SP in Etawah. He led a daring encounter against the infamous dacoit Nirbhay Gurjar near the Chambal forests. Gurjar was involved in over 200 criminal cases, including kidnapping for ransom. The encounter effectively dismantled a dangerous criminal gang that had long terrorized the region.
Central Deputation and Diverse Roles
Mr Kumar’s skills and leadership have not been confined to state policing alone. He was posted as Additional District Judge (ADJ) in Gorakhpur before moving to various central deputation roles. In 2010, he served as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Meerut, after which he was called to the central government.
He has served in significant ministries including the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Water Resources, showcasing his versatility and administrative acumen. His varied experience across policing and governance makes him uniquely qualified for his new role.
New Role as MD & CEO of Digital India Corporation
Recently, the central government appointed Akhil Kumar as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital India Corporation, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This role entrusts him with the responsibility to steer the digital transformation initiatives in India, aligning with the government’s vision of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
Current Posting and Legacy
Before his central appointment, Akhil Kumar was serving as the Police Commissioner of Kanpur, one of Uttar Pradesh’s largest and most challenging law enforcement jurisdictions. His tenure was marked by proactive policing, administrative reforms, and efforts to improve public safety.
His remarkable journey from leading ground-level police operations to heading a key government agency focused on digital innovation is an inspiring example of leadership and adaptability.
