In the landscape of Indian law enforcement, few names generate as much buzz as Dr. Ajay Pal Sharma. From a medical professional to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most talked-about police officers, his career is a blend of high-octane action, administrative reform, and national headlines.

As of May 2026, he remains a trending figure following his high-stakes role in the West Bengal Assembly Elections and his current administrative duties in Prayagraj.

Personal Profile

• Full Name: Dr. Ajay Pal Sharma
• Date of Birth: October 26, 1985
• Hometown: Ludhiana, Punjab
• Father’s Name: Amarjit Pal Sharma (Retired College Professor)
• Mother’s Name: Prem Sharma
• Marital Status: Married

Education & Early Life

• Schooling: RS Model Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana.
• Degree: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Government Medical College, Patiala.
• UPSC: He cleared the Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 160 in his second attempt through self-study.

Career & Current Posting

• Batch: 2011 (IPS-RR)
• Current Rank: Deputy Inspector General (DIG)

**Current Posting (2026): He is currently serving as the Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Recent Role: In April/May 2026, he was appointed by the Election Commission as a Police Observer for the South 24 Parganas district during the West Bengal Assembly Elections.

The Early Years: From Dentist to IPS

Born in October 1985 in Ludhiana, Punjab, Ajay Pal Sharma was an academic powerhouse. He ranked in the top 10 of his state during matriculation, scoring a perfect 100% in Mathematics and Science.

Following his parents’ wishes, he initially pursued medicine, earning a BDS degree from Government Medical College, Patiala. However, the drive for public service led him to self-study for the UPSC. He cleared the exam in his very first attempt in 2011, choosing the Indian Police Service over a career in dentistry.

The “Encounter Specialist” Reputation

Sharma’s career is defined by his “tough on crime” approach. During his postings in sensitive districts like Shamli, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Jaunpur, he became synonymous with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “Zero Tolerance” policy toward organized crime.

• Jaunpur Tenure: He reportedly oversaw over 100 encounters in record time, earning him the moniker “Encounter Man.”
• Rampur Action: In 2019, he led a major crackdown on land mafia and organized crime networks, often clashing with high-profile political figures.

Administrative Innovation: Beyond the Gun

While the media focuses on his field operations, Sharma is also a reformer. He introduced:

• Police Station Grading: A system to evaluate and rank police stations based on response times and public feedback.

Open Door Policy: He is known for meeting 150–200 citizens daily to personally address grievances, emphasizing “People-First” policing.

Why is IPS Ajay Pal Sharma Trending in 2026?

In April and May 2026, Sharma became a central figure in the West Bengal Assembly Elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed him as a Police Observer for the South 24 Parganas district.

1. The Viral “Riot Act”: A video surfaced showing Sharma sternly warning local political henchmen at a candidate’s residence, promising “action they wouldn’t forget.”
2. The Supreme Court Battle: His deployment sparked a massive political row. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking his removal, alleging he was “partisan,” while the BJP hailed him as a protector of fair voting.

The “Pushpa” Rivalry: The controversy turned cinematic when local candidates responded to his “Singham” image by quoting the movie Pushpa, creating a viral “Singham vs. Pushpa” social media trend.

Awards & Recognition

DG’s Commendation Disc (Gold): Awarded in January 2025 for exemplary service.

State-Level Honor (2018): Felicitated by CM Yogi Adityanath for dismantling major criminal syndicates in Western UP.

Conclusion

Whether he is managing the law and order of a major city like Prayagraj or acting as the “Election Guardian” in sensitive zones, IPS Ajay Pal Sharma remains one of the most influential and polarizing figures in modern Indian policing. His transition from a dentist to a “Dabang” officer continues to inspire civil service aspirants across the country.