R. Sreelekha: Kerala’s First Woman IPS Officer and Her Journey from Policing to Public Life
R. Sreelekha is a prominent name in Kerala’s police history. She became the first woman IPS officer from the Kerala cadre and later became the first woman from the state to attain the rank of Director General of Police (DGP). Over a career spanning more than three decades, she worked in several important policing and administrative positions and later entered public life.
Early Career and Entry into the IPS
Before joining the Indian Police Service, Sreelekha worked as a lecturer and also served with the Reserve Bank of India. She subsequently entered the civil services and joined the Kerala cadre of the IPS in 1987.
Her entry into the police service marked an important moment for women in Kerala. She went on to serve as a district police chief in places including Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Thrissur before taking up other senior assignments.
Work with the CBI
Sreelekha also served with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), including assignments as Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector General.
During her CBI tenure, she became associated with investigative and raid operations and was widely referred to in media reports by the nickname “Raid Sreelekha.” Her work during this period contributed to her public profile as an officer involved in high-profile investigations.
Reaching the Rank of DGP
In 2017, Sreelekha became the first woman from Kerala to be given DGP rank. Before and after reaching the senior rank, she held several positions involving policing, prisons, traffic, and public administration.
She later served as Director General of Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services and subsequently headed the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services. She retired from government service in December 2020.
Work Beyond Traditional Policing
Sreelekha's career was not limited to conventional police assignments. She also held leadership roles in public-sector organizations and worked on areas such as road safety and technology-driven administration.
During her tenure as Transport Commissioner, initiatives associated with e-governance and road-safety measures were introduced in Kerala. Her career has therefore included both law enforcement responsibilities and administrative roles.
An Officer and an Author
Alongside her public-service career, Sreelekha has also developed a profile as a writer. She has authored books in Malayalam, including works related to crime investigation and fiction.
Her writing and public speaking have given audiences an opportunity to hear about her experiences in policing and the challenges she encountered during her career. She has also spoken publicly about her journey as Kerala's first woman IPS officer.
Entry into Public Life
After retiring from the police service, Sreelekha entered electoral politics and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024. She later became a councillor representing the Sasthamangalam ward in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. Her 2026 election affidavit identifies her as a retired police officer and ward councillor.
Her transition from a senior police career to elected public office brought renewed attention to her public life and views.
Recent Development
In October 2026, Sreelekha resigned as a councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. Reports said her resignation reduced the BJP-led NDA's strength in the 101-member council from 50 to 49. The Indian Express reported that she cited personal reasons for the resignation while also noting that she had previously expressed disappointment about not being appointed mayor.
This development has added a new chapter to the career of an officer whose professional journey had already crossed policing, administration, writing, and electoral politics.
A Career That Broke Several Barriers
R. Sreelekha's career stands out in Kerala's public-service history because of the number of senior positions she reached during a period when women were still underrepresented in top police roles.
From becoming Kerala's first woman IPS officer to attaining DGP rank and later entering public life, her journey reflects the changing role of women in policing and public administration.
Her career continues to attract public interest not only because of her achievements in the police service but also because of her transition into writing and politics.
Conclusion
R. Sreelekha's journey is closely connected with several important stages in Kerala's modern public-service history. Her career in the IPS, work with the CBI, senior administrative responsibilities, writing, and later entry into electoral politics have made her a widely recognized public figure.
Her story also illustrates how a career in public service can evolve over time, moving from law enforcement and administration into other forms of public engagement.