Agra: Amid a biting cold wave and dense fog sweeping across Agra, a heartwarming gesture by 2016 batch IPS officer of UP cadre, Mr Sonam Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), has captured the attention of social media users nationwide. A short video showing the officer quietly covering homeless people sleeping on footpaths with blankets has gone viral, earning widespread appreciation.
The 19-second clip shows Sonam Kumar, dressed in plain clothes, gently placing blankets over people sleeping under the open sky late at night. The individuals remain unaware of his presence as he silently moves on after ensuring they are protected from the cold.
Blanket Drive Rooted in Personal Emotion
Speaking about the initiative, IPS Sonam Kumar said that he distributes blankets every year in memory of his wife’s grandfather. He follows a unique tradition of distributing as many blankets as his age to the poor and homeless annually.
“This work is done privately. I uploaded the video because I believe that if capable people help the needy, society will improve and others will also be inspired to do the same,” he said.
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Cold Wave in Agra and a Viral Act of Compassion
Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, has been witnessing a severe cold spell accompanied by fog. While most residents remained indoors, Sonam Kumar was seen patrolling the streets at night, ensuring that the most vulnerable sections of society were not left exposed to the harsh weather.
The video quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with users praising the officer’s humility and compassion.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 14, 1985, Sonam Kumar hails from Nalanda, Bihar. His father, Ravindra Prasad Singh, a civil engineer, originally belonged to Bihar and later settled in Delhi. His mother named him Sonam, and “Kumar” was added during school admission.
Sonam Kumar completed his schooling in Delhi and went on to earn a B.E. degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. His current residence remains Delhi.
From Software Engineer to IPS Officer
After completing engineering, Sonam Kumar secured a high-paying job with a multinational company in the United States, working on chip design for self-driving vehicles starting in 2008. He served as a Lead Design Engineer, earning an annual package of around Rs 20 lakh, and contributed significantly to emerging autonomous vehicle technology.
Despite professional success, he felt unfulfilled. “The money and work were fine, but I couldn’t serve society,” he recalled.
Inspired by his teachers and driven by a desire to serve, Sonam Kumar decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while continuing his job. He studied at night and eventually resigned in 2014 to prepare full-time.
UPSC Success and Policing Career
Sonam Kumar cleared the UPSC exam in 2015 and became an IPS officer of the 2016 batch, allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He describes the moment of selection as unforgettable, especially after years of balancing work and studies.
His family, particularly his father, played a crucial role in motivating him throughout his journey.
Digital Innovator in UP Police
Known in the police and media circles as the “Software Engineer IPS” and “Digital Innovator”, Sonam Kumar has spearheaded several technology-driven initiatives in policing.
While serving as DCP City and DCP Traffic in the Agra Police Commissionerate, he collaborated with IIT Kanpur to develop around eight digital tools and applications focused on:
- Cybercrime prevention and awareness
- Online complaint registration and monitoring
- Uploading audio-video evidence by complainants
- Transparent public grievance redressal
- Traffic management solutions
He also played a key role in developing RAG-based AI tools such as RAGBOT/ECOP, enabling instant search of thousands of police circulars and orders in Hindi and English.
Operational Record and Enforcement
In his nearly nine years of service, IPS Sonam Kumar has been involved in over 75 encounters and is credited with dismantling mafia networks wherever posted. Last month, he was part of an operation that eliminated a notorious criminal in Agra, further strengthening his reputation as a tough and efficient officer.
A Career Defined by Service and Sensitivity
From leaving a lucrative engineering career to wearing the khaki uniform, and from high-tech policing innovations to acts of quiet compassion on cold winter nights, IPS Sonam Kumar’s journey reflects a rare blend of professional excellence and human empathy.
Currently serving as DCP in Agra, the 2016-batch IPS officer continues to inspire both within the police force and beyond.
