From Social Media Star to Troll Target: 6 Defining Moments in IAS Tina Dabi’s Life

Barmer: Rajasthan’s prominent IAS officer Tina Dabi has once again found herself in the crosshairs of online trolls. The latest controversy arose during the Republic Day parade, when she saluted the national flag in the wrong direction, sparking criticism on social media. However, she quickly corrected the mistake after a security guard signaled her. While some criticized her, many others came forward to support her, calling it a human error.

Tina Dabi’s journey from UPSC topper to public scrutiny has seen several highs and lows. Here are six key moments that brought her under the spotlight:

1. Republic Day Salute Controversy (26 Jan 2026):
During the flag-hoisting ceremony, Dabi saluted in the wrong direction. Though she immediately corrected herself, social media was flooded with reactions—some critical, others defending her.

2. “Reel Star” Controversy (Dec 2025):
Protests erupted in Barmer when college students demonstrated against a fee hike. Police detained some students, and the anger of the protesters was directed at Dabi. Social media commenters mockingly called her a “Reel Star” instead of a role model.

3. Water Conservation Award Dispute (Nov 2025):
While serving as Barmer Collector, Dabi received an award from President Draupadi Murmu for outstanding work in water harvesting. However, a photo error on the Jal Shakti portal led to trolling, prompting Dabi to clarify the matter herself.

4. Jaisalmer Collector Controversy (2022):
After her transfer to Jaisalmer, Dabi ordered the removal of encroachments in the Amar Sagar area, affecting displaced Pakistani Hindu families. While initially criticized online, she later received praise for arranging their proper rehabilitation.

5. Greeting Satish Poonia (2014):
A viral video showed Dabi greeting senior BJP leader Satish Poonia by bowing and folding her hands five times in seven seconds. The video sparked discussions on social media and brought her into the limelight.

6. Personal Life Under Scrutiny (2021-2022):
Tina Dabi faced trolling over her personal life when she divorced her first husband, IAS officer Athar Aamir, in 2021. She later remarried IAS officer Pradeep Gawande in 2022, again attracting online attention.

From being celebrated as a social media sensation to facing relentless trolling, Tina Dabi’s career has consistently been under public scrutiny. Despite challenges, she continues to serve as a prominent figure in Indian civil services.