S.N Sabat: Man Who Added Sophistication In UP's Law and Order Maze

S.N Sabat, one of few IPS officers who opted for critical thinking and strategic planning over bravado, managed the complex Law and Order task in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state. His strategic approach added a new level of sophistication to the state's law enforcement. Sabat, the former UP's  CBCID CID Chief, has now retired(31st December 2024).

In an illustrious career spanning 34 years, Sabat oversaw the law and order of crucial districts during heydays of gangsterism. Sabat's approach has always been guided and tempered by strategic foresight and planning. A top source said, 'Sabat had the right idea and judgement about resources and the force's economy. Such skills have enabled him to lead successful Anti-Naxal operations during his stint in CRPF as IG and various UN Peacekeeping Missions 2001-2002 in Kosovo. He has been awarded the UN Peace Medal and Award in 2001 and 2002, respectively.

A major highlight of Sabat's career came in 2019 where he did  masterful management of the world's largest Mela, the Kumbh Mela . His successful oversight of security and organizational details led to a smooth and successful celebration, earning him praise from former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and UP's Chief Minister. His role in ensuring peace and security  in Ayodhya during the Ayodhya Verdict further demonstrated his capabilities. In 2023, the Union Home Ministry honoured Sabat with the Ati Utkrisht Seva Padak, recognizing his long and unblemished service with professional excellence over the past 25 years. This recognition is a testament to his dedication and contribution to law enforcement.

During the last few years of his service as DG Prisons, he made an academic and research-based approach to improve the UP Prisons system. He was recognized and awarded the prestigious Scotch, India's highest independent honour. He has been a critical and strategic thinker and frequently wrote and delivered talks on matters of policing, human rights and internal security for various publications and institutions. S.N Sabat's skills of making things simplified and robust have always worked and inspired officers to apporach law and order duties with professionalism and strategic foresight.