Smita Sabharwal, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2001 batch from the Telangana cadre, has recently found herself at the center of a controversy involving an AI-generated image related to a contentious land dispute in Kancha Gachibowli, near the University of Hyderabad (UoH). Known for her trailblazing career and innovative governance, Sabharwal’s reposting of a digitally created image on social media has sparked legal and political repercussions, drawing attention to her professional journey and the broader issue of misinformation in the digital age.
The Controversy: AI-Generated Image and Kancha Gachibowli Land Dispute
On March 31, 2025, Smita Sabharwal reposted an AI-generated image originally shared by the X handle “Hi Hyderabad.” The image, styled in the aesthetic of Studio Ghibli, depicted earthmoving equipment near the iconic Mushroom Rock in Kancha Gachibowli, with a peacock and two deer seemingly observing the scene. The image was perceived as critical of the Telangana government’s plan to auction approximately 400 acres of ecologically sensitive land for urban development, including an IT park and infrastructure projects.
The Telangana government’s proposal has faced significant opposition from UoH students, environmentalists, and opposition parties, who argue that the land is vital for local biodiversity and wildlife preservation. The controversy escalated when the Supreme Court intervened, halting all activity on the land on April 3, 2025, and directing the state to submit a conservation plan.
The Cyberabad Police issued a notice to Sabharwal on April 12, 2025, under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), summoning her as a witness to provide information about the source and intent of the reposted image. The notice is part of a broader investigation into the circulation of AI-generated visuals deemed “misleading” by authorities, with multiple cases registered against individuals, including opposition party members, for spreading similar content. Police clarified that Sabharwal is not a suspect but is being questioned to trace the origin of the image, with a fresh notice expected to record her statement at a location of her choice.
The incident has sparked debates about free speech, the role of AI in shaping public narratives, and the responsibilities of public officials in verifying content before sharing. Sabharwal’s repost, made amid heated protests, has been criticized by some as amplifying misinformation, while others view the police action as an overreach.
Who Is Smita Sabharwal?
Early Life and Education
Born on June 19, 1977, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, Smita Sabharwal (née Das) hails from a Bengali family. Her father, Colonel Pranab Das, served in the Indian Army, and her mother, Purabi Das, raised her in a disciplined environment. Sabharwal completed her schooling at St. Ann’s High School in Secunderabad, where she topped the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) examination nationally. She later graduated with a commerce degree from St. Francis College for Women in Hyderabad.
At the age of 22, Sabharwal achieved a remarkable feat by clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination in 2000, securing an All India Rank of 4. She underwent administrative training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie in 2001, followed by district-level training in Adilabad.
Illustrious Career
Sabharwal’s career is marked by her innovative use of technology and people-centric governance, earning her the moniker “The People’s Officer.” Her early roles included Sub-Collector in Madanapally, Chittoor, and Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Kadapa, where she gained experience in land revenue management and rural development. As Municipal Commissioner of Warangal, she introduced the “Fund Your City” scheme, creating public utilities like traffic junctions and parks through public-private partnerships.
Her tenure as District Collector of Karimnagar and Medak districts was particularly notable. In Karimnagar, she launched the “Ammalalana” program, which improved maternal health and institutional deliveries in public hospitals. She also implemented technology-driven initiatives, such as monitoring government doctors via Skype and using software to track school performance, making Karimnagar and Medak top-performing districts in Telangana.
Sabharwal served as Joint Collector in Kurnool and Hyderabad and later as Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes in Visakhapatnam. She made history as the first female IAS officer appointed to the Chief Minister’s Office in Telangana, where she wielded significant influence under the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. After the Congress-led government took over in December 2023, she was transferred to the Telangana State Finance Commission as Member Secretary before being appointed Principal Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture on November 11, 2024.
Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Indian Express Devi Award in 2015 for Innovation and Dynamism, the e-India Award in 2013 for e-Health initiatives, and multiple Chief Minister’s Awards for flagship programs. She also received a Platinum Award worth ₹10 lakh for e-Governance initiatives in 2012–13.
Recent Contributions
Sabharwal has been instrumental in organizing the 72nd Miss World pageant, scheduled for May 2025 in Telangana. She collaborated with Julia Morley, Chairperson of Miss World Limited, to announce the event and has been actively planning, including visits to heritage sites like Chowmahalla Palace to welcome global delegates.
Public Persona and Criticism
Sabharwal is celebrated for her bold decisions, elegance, and accessibility, often referred to as “Lady Singham” in Telangana. Her use of social media to engage with citizens and highlight governance initiatives has made her a prominent figure. However, her outspoken nature has occasionally drawn scrutiny. In the past, she faced criticism for her comments on the Bilkis Bano case, and the current controversy has intensified trolling and polarized opinions on social media.
Some X posts have framed the police notice as an attack on free speech, with one user stating, “In probably a first, police booked a case against an IAS for a RETWEET!” Others argue that as a senior official, Sabharwal should have verified the image’s authenticity before sharing. The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has emphasized its commitment to curbing misinformation, with Minister D. Sridhar Babu stating that “fake videos and photos were affecting all institutions” and that the law would take its course.
The Bigger Picture: AI and Misinformation
The Kancha Gachibowli controversy underscores the growing challenge of AI-generated content in shaping public discourse. The Telangana government has petitioned the Telangana High Court to issue directions against such content, alleging it spreads false narratives. Prominent figures, including celebrities like John Abraham and Dia Mirza, and influencers like Dhruv Rathee, have also been accused of unintentionally sharing similar AI-generated visuals, highlighting the difficulty of distinguishing fact from fiction in the digital era.
The Supreme Court’s focus on environmental preservation, coupled with the legal actions against AI content, reflects the complex interplay between development, conservation, and information integrity. Sabharwal’s case serves as a cautionary tale for public officials navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of social media and AI technology.
Conclusion
Smita Sabharwal’s career is a testament to her dedication to public service and innovation, from pioneering governance reforms to organizing global events like the Miss World pageant. However, her recent entanglement in the Kancha Gachibowli land controversy highlights the pitfalls of unverified social media content, even for seasoned administrators. As the legal proceedings unfold and the debate over AI-generated imagery continues, Sabharwal remains a polarizing yet influential figure in Telangana’s administrative and public spheres.
The case also prompts broader reflection on the balance between free expression and responsible communication, especially for those in positions of power. With the Supreme Court and Telangana High Court closely monitoring the Kancha Gachibowli issue, the resolution of this controversy could set important precedents for environmental policy and digital accountability in India.