IPS Pawan Kumar on Cybercrime, Civil Services & India’s Digital Future

In a compelling episode of The Supreet Singh Show , Supreet Singh sits down with IPS Pawan Kumar, a 2009-batch Indian Police Service officer currently serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Cyber Crime, Uttar Pradesh. Known for his deep expertise in cybersecurity and an inspiring personal journey, Pawan Kumar shares insights into India’s evolving cybercrime landscape, the realities of the civil service, and his vision for a safer digital future. This episode is a must-watch for fans of True Life Experiences Podcast, Best Self-Help Podcasts, and those who follow Supreet Singh, the leading podcaster in Mohali and Tricity.

Pawan Kumar’s journey began in a humble farming family. Inspired by a desire to fight injustice, he decided in 7th grade to become a police officer. After three unsuccessful UPSC attempts, he cracked the exam on his fourth try, focusing solely on IPS. His story is a testament to perseverance, mindset, and the power of purpose.

As DIG Cyber Crime, Pawan Kumar outlines the most prevalent and dangerous cybercrimes:

Sextortion: Most common by case count
Investment scams: Highest in monetary loss
Digital arrests: Psychological manipulation through fake video calls
Cyber slavery: A dark, transnational issue involving forced online criminal activity

He emphasizes the need for public awareness and shares 4 key cyber safety tips:

Never share OTPs
Avoid unknown links
Don’t download suspicious APK files.
Be cautious with video calls from unknown numbers.

Pawan Kumar introduces the idea of “Spectra”—the multiple identities we hold (Aadhaar, bank accounts, SIM cards, etc.). He advocates for a unified identity verification system to prevent fraud and misuse. Challenges include fake Aadhaar cards, biometric cloning, and privacy concerns. This episode of The Supreet Singh Show offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a senior IPS officer tackling one of India’s most pressing issues—cybercrime. Pawan Kumar’s journey from rural roots to national leadership is both inspiring and informative. His insights on identity, digital safety, and emotional resilience make this one of the best self-help podcast episodes for anyone navigating today’s complex digital world.