Patna West Superintendent of Police and 2022-batch IPS officer Sanket Kumar has recently captured public attention for his unyielding stance during a volatile street protest. A video of the officer has surfaced on social media, showing him fiercely commanding his police personnel not to back down during a fierce clash with demonstrating students at the Dakbungalow intersection. While his tough handling of the NEET paper leak agitation is making headlines, his personal journey is equally gripping. Transitioning from a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to a high-ranking police officer, his path stands as a powerful testament to perseverance.
Violent Clashes Over NEET Scandal
The confrontation unfolded on July 22 in the heart of Patna. Students affiliated with the All India Students Association (AISA) had gathered at the prominent Dakbungalow intersection to stage a massive protest against the NEET paper leak scandal. The demonstrators were aggressively demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The situation rapidly escalated into a violent clash between the agitating youth and the deployed police force. As the protesting students resorted to pelting stones, law enforcement authorities were forced to initiate a lathi-charge to restore order and bring the chaotic circumstances under control.
A Stern Ultimatum on the Frontlines
Amidst this intense and chaotic environment, SP Sanket Kumar was seen leading his force directly from the frontlines. As the situation threatened to spiral completely out of hand, the officer took firm charge to boost the morale of his personnel while issuing a stern ultimatum. In the widely circulated footage, he is heard strictly warning his team against taking even a single step back, declaring, 'अगर पीछे हटे तो नौकरी के लायक नहीं छोड़ूंगा.' This uncompromising display of leadership has since sparked widespread discussions across internet platforms.
From Darbhanga to ISRO
The man currently making waves as a tough disciplinarian had a remarkably different career trajectory before donning the khaki uniform. Sanket Kumar originally hails from the Darbhanga district in Bihar. After completing his fundamental schooling in his hometown, he pursued higher education at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna. There, he successfully earned a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering. His academic excellence soon paved the way for an elite professional opportunity, and he was selected to serve as a scientist at the premier Indian Space Research Organisation.
The Grueling UPSC Struggle
Embarking on a career in space technology, he worked as an ISRO scientist at the Sriharikota spaceport from 2017 to 2018. However, despite securing a prestigious position in the scientific community, he harboured a deep-seated ambition to join the civil services. Balancing his demanding job at the space agency, he began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. Navigating one of the country's toughest competitive exams proved to be a grueling ordeal, and he faced severe setbacks, failing to clear the examination in his first three attempts. Undeterred by consecutive failures, Sanket Kumar refused to give up on his ultimate goal. He analyzed his shortcomings, intensified his preparation, and finally achieved a monumental breakthrough on his fourth attempt.
Securing the Bihar Cadre
He successfully cracked the UPSC 2021 examination, securing an impressive 105th rank across the country. Awarded his home cadre of Bihar, he officially became an IPS officer of the 2022 batch. Prior to his current high-profile posting, he rendered his services in Bikramganj and Saran. In June 2026, the Bihar government entrusted him with the crucial responsibility of SP Patna West, where his bold policing style is now highly visible.
