Introduction
Varun Sharma is a 2014‑batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who has served multiple times as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala, becoming one of the most talked‑about district police chiefs in Punjab in 2025. His profile has drawn nationwide attention not only for anti‑crime and anti‑drug operations in Patiala, but also for a high‑stakes controversy over a viral audio clip linked to local body elections, now under judicial scrutiny.indianexpress+3
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details* |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Varun Sharma, IPS tribuneindia |
| Batch / Service | 2014‑batch Indian Police Service officer, Punjab cadre tribuneindia+1 |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed in reliable official records (as of December 2025) haryanapolice |
| Current Post (2025) | Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patiala, Punjab (sent on leave amid audio‑clip row in Dec 2025) ptcnews+1 |
| Profession | Indian Police Service officer; district Senior Superintendent of Police tribuneindia |
| Family / Spouse | No verified public data on spouse, children or detailed family profile in official or mainstream sources (as of December 2025) indianexpress+1 |
| Known For | Multiple tenures as SSP Patiala, leading anti‑crime operations; being named in a major election‑related audio‑clip controversy tribuneindia+2 |
| Estimated Net Worth | Not disclosed; no credible open‑source estimate available. indianexpress+1 |
Early Life and Education
Publicly available records on Varun Sharma’s early life, including his exact birthplace, schooling and family background, are sparse, which is common for serving IPS officers whose profiles are not widely promoted beyond official needs. Standard cadre lists and transfer notices identify him primarily by batch and cadre—2014‑batch IPS, Punjab—rather than personal biography.tribuneindia+3
There is no authoritative open‑source confirmation of his undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, though IPS officers typically enter the service after completing at least a bachelor’s degree and clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. In searches of official gradation lists and mainstream coverage, only his service‑related details, ranks and postings are consistently recorded.hindustantimes+3
Complete Family Details (Public Domain Limitations)
Unlike film stars or politicians, most IPS officers maintain a relatively low‑profile personal life, and Varun Sharma’s case is similar. Major newspapers and regional portals that cover his transfers, operations, and recent controversy focus on professional issues and do not document his spouse’s name, children, or parents in verifiable form.ptcnews+3
Because of this, the following points are important for an accurate biography:
No widely cited mainstream report or official profile as of December 2025 lists the name of his wife, children, or parents.indianexpress+1
Election‑related petitions and High Court coverage mention him only in his official capacity as SSP Patiala and not in any personal or family context.aninews+2
For ethics, privacy, and accuracy, any names or personal details circulating only on unverified social media or non‑authoritative pages should not be treated as confirmed facts.punjabtodaynews+1
Career Trajectory of Varun Sharma, IPS
Entry into IPS and Early Service
Varun Sharma belongs to the 2014 batch of the Indian Police Service and is allocated to the Punjab cadre. Early in his career he served in various field and staff postings in Punjab, building experience in district policing and crime investigation before heading key districts.royalpatiala+3
First Tenure as SSP Patiala
Sharma first came into wider regional limelight when he was posted as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala, one of Punjab’s politically sensitive and high‑profile districts. During this earlier stint, he led operations against crime and drugs, and later left the post when another IPS officer, Nanak Singh (2011 batch), took charge as SSP Patiala in August of the previous year.tribuneindia+1
After this change, Varun Sharma was moved to roles including AIG Provisioning, Punjab, and SSP, Sadak Surakhya (Road Safety) Force, positions that typically involve statewide responsibilities for logistics, provisioning and traffic / road safety enforcement.tribuneindia
Return as SSP Patiala in 2025
In May 2025, the Punjab government issued transfer orders reshuffling senior IPS officers, bringing Varun Sharma back as SSP Patiala, replacing Nanak Singh. Reports from The Tribune, Hindustan Times and regional portals confirm that:babushahi+2
He is a 2014‑batch IPS officer appointed as SSP Patiala via transfer order dated early May 2025.hindustantimes+1
Nanak Singh, the outgoing SSP, was promoted and posted as DIG Patiala Range after the superannuation of the previous DIG.tribuneindia+1
Speaking to the media upon re‑joining, he emphasised strict implementation of government directions, making police more accessible to common citizens, zero tolerance for drug peddlers, and a focus on women and child safety, while clearly stating that corruption would not be tolerated.tribuneindia+1
Operational Highlights in Patiala
Regional news from Patiala highlighted several enforcement actions under his command. One report described a “hat‑trick” of successful operations, including:royalpatiala
The arrest of a wanted gangster, Gurcharan Singh alias Kalu, during a brief encounter on Patiala–Sirhind Road near Faganmajra.royalpatiala
The operation was led on the ground by SP Investigation and the Crime Investigation Agency team, with SSP Varun Sharma briefing the media on the case, which involved serious offences such as dacoity, armed robbery and NDPS (drug) cases.royalpatiala
Such operations reinforced his public image as an officer focused on organised crime and narcotics control in a district that has long faced drug‑related challenges.tribuneindia+1
News & Major Controversies
The Viral Audio Clip and Election Allegations
In late 2025, Varun Sharma’s name became the centre of a significant political and legal controversy when a purported audio clip surfaced ahead of zila parishad and block samiti elections in Punjab. The clip, circulated by opposition leaders, allegedly features a conference‑call style conversation in which a senior officer is heard instructing subordinates to:ptcnews+1
Stop opposition candidates at their homes or on routes to filing centres.tribuneindia+1
Act on directions of the local MLA.tribuneindia
Ensure “positive reports” only for ruling party workers.aninews+2
Influence returning officers so that nominations of rivals are rejected, allegedly paving the way for uncontested victories.ptcnews+1
Shiromani Akali Dal leaders and other opposition figures alleged that the voice in the clip was that of SSP Varun Sharma and that these directions violated the Model Code of Conduct and citizens’ constitutional rights related to free and fair elections.aninews+1
Complaints, PILs and High Court Intervention
Following the clip’s circulation, multiple developments unfolded:
The Shiromani Akali Dal submitted an urgent complaint to the Punjab State Election Commission, naming SSP Varun Sharma and other district officers, and accusing them of conspiring to derail the local body election process in favour of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).aninews
The complaint invoked violations of Articles 14, 19, 21 and 324 of the Constitution, and alleged criminal offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to conspiracy, wrongful restraint and election misconduct.aninews
A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking his suspension and asking that a CBI‑monitored FIR be registered, arguing that an internal probe by state police would be ineffective where the force itself is under scrutiny.tribuneindia+1
The High Court took note of the audio recording, asked the State Election Commission to expedite its inquiry, and later ordered a CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory) probe into the authenticity of the clip, putting the issue under scientific and judicial examination.punjabtodaynews+1
SSP Patiala Sent on Leave
Amid the intensifying row, reports from multiple outlets confirmed that Varun Sharma proceeded on a week’s leave just days before key hearings and ahead of the local body polls. According to police sources and statements cited in news reports:ptcnews+1
The DGP informed the State Election Commission that Varun Sharma had sought a week’s leave due to “family reasons”, and Sangrur SSP Sartaj Chahal was given additional charge of Patiala.babushahi+1
Opposition leaders claimed that his going on leave indicated an admission of wrongdoing and used it as political ammunition, while ruling party representatives and police officials described the clip as “fake” and AI‑manipulated.indianexpress+1
This placed Varun Sharma at the heart of a debate over alleged misuse of the police for political purposes, the role of AI‑generated content in elections, and institutional safeguards in India’s democratic processes.punjabtodaynews+2
Official Response and Ongoing Status
Reports mention that the Punjab DGP entrusted the inquiry into the audio clip to senior IPS officer SPS Parmar, ADGP (Law and Order), while the High Court’s CFSL‑linked directions added another layer of scrutiny. The Patiala police have publicly maintained that the audio is not genuine and is the result of AI manipulation, a claim that will be tested through forensic examination.indianexpress+2
As of December 2025, no final judicial finding or conviction against Varun Sharma had been reported in major mainstream outlets; the matter remains sub‑judice, with legal and forensic processes continuing.tribuneindia+2
Awards, Recognition and Public Image
Mainstream sources covering Varun Sharma focus primarily on his postings and controversies rather than listing formal medals or civil awards. However, within police and local administrative circles, his name is often linked with:hindustantimes+1
A “professional approach” to maintaining law and order, as highlighted in regional coverage when he re‑assumed charge as SSP Patiala.tribuneindia
Strong messaging on zero tolerance towards drug peddlers and a particular emphasis on women and child safety in the district.royalpatiala+1
In local news stories, he is portrayed as a hands‑on district police chief, briefing the media after operations and underlining community engagement and crime prevention. At the same time, the audio‑clip allegations have polarised public opinion, with critics seeing him as emblematic of politicised policing, and supporters insisting on the presumption of innocence until forensic and judicial processes are complete.facebook+4
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Varun Sharma IPS?
Varun Sharma is a 2014‑batch Indian Police Service officer of the Punjab cadre who has served multiple times as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala, a key district in Punjab.tribuneindia+1
2. What is Varun Sharma’s current posting?
As of late 2025, he is the SSP of Patiala but has been sent on a short leave amid a controversy surrounding a viral audio clip allegedly linked to local body elections, with another SSP given additional charge during his absence.babushahi+2
3. Is Varun Sharma married? Who is his wife?
Mainstream official and journalistic sources do not publicly disclose his spouse’s name or detailed family information, so no confirmed answer can be given based on reliable records.tribuneindia+1
4. What is the controversy involving SSP Varun Sharma?
He has been named in political complaints and PILs over a viral audio clip in which a senior voice is alleged to instruct police to obstruct opposition candidates’ nominations in zila parishad and block samiti polls, prompting Election Commission and High Court scrutiny.ptcnews+2
5. Has any court found Varun Sharma guilty in the audio‑clip case?
By December 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered a CFSL probe into the audio’s authenticity, but there was no public report of a final judicial finding or conviction against him; the matter remains under investigation.punjabtodaynews+1
6. What important cases or operations has Varun Sharma handled as SSP Patiala?
Regional news highlights his role in major anti‑crime actions, including the arrest of gangster Gurcharan Singh alias Kalu in a gunfight on Patiala–Sirhind Road, as well as broader efforts against drug peddlers and organised crime.royalpatiala+1
7. What is the net worth of Varun Sharma IPS?
There is no credible open‑source estimate or official disclosure of Varun Sharma’s net worth; as a serving IPS officer, his income is primarily from government salary and legal benefits associated with his rank.hindustantimes+1
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/varun-sharma-back-as-patiala-ssp/
- https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/punjab-and-haryana-hc-hearing-into-audio-clip-pils-patiala-ssp-on-leave-10412264/
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/patiala/nanak-singh-takes-over-patiala-dig-charge-varun-sharma-is-new-ssp/
- https://www.ptcnews.tv/punjab-2/patiala-ssp-varun-sharma-sent-on-leave-amid-viral-audio-clip-controversy-4418425
- https://haryanapolice.gov.in/IPS
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/patiala/days-before-zila-parishad-polls-patiala-ssp-proceeds-on-leave
- https://royalpatiala.in/hat-trick-by-patiala-police-under-the-command-of-newly-appointed-ssp-varun-sharma/
- https://www.babushahi.com/view-news.php?id=203434&headline=IPS-officer-Varun-Sharma-appointed-as-SSP-Patiala
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/nanak-singh-posted-as-patiala-dig-varun-named-ssp-101746297881642.html
- https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/akali-dal-files-urgent-complaint-alleging-police-conspiracy-to-block-opposition-nominations20251204142224
- https://www.punjabtodaynews.com/hc-cfsl-probe-patiala-police-audio-leak-ssp-leave/
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/patiala/caught-in-audio-clip-row-patiala-ssp-proceeds-on-leave/
- https://www.babushahi.com/view-news.php?id=214609&headline=Before-hearing-of-Petition-in-High-Court-today%2C-Patiala-SSP-proceeds-on-leave
- https://www.facebook.com/100050351745601/posts/ips-punjab-police-varunsharmaipsssp-patiala-varun-sharma-recently-engaged-with-t/1229334548754925/
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bhagwan-dassahuja-ma-econ-llb-llm-esq-2108a7140_nanak-singh-takes-over-patiala-dig-charge-activity-7324606389551570944-bXVP
- https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=203434
- http://policenewsindia.com/?p=2781
- https://in.linkedin.com/in/varun-sharma-b57231218
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/patiala-ssp-goes-on-leave-amid-row-over-audio-clip-in-run-up-to-rural-polls/articleshow/125896661.cms
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poFwACTxSc8

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