Kerala’s First Woman IPS Officer, R. Sreelekha, Wins Sasthamangalam Ward in Thiruvananthapuram
R. Sreelekha, Kerala’s pioneering woman IPS officer, has achieved a significant victory in the Sasthamangalam ward election within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. This marks a new chapter in her distinguished career, transitioning from law enforcement to public leadership.
Sreelekha made headlines in 1987 at the age of 26, becoming the first Malayali woman to join the Indian Police Service. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, inspired by her father, Velayudhan Nair, a veteran who served in World War II. A product of government schools and colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, she has worn many hats throughout her professional life, including a college lecturer, a Reserve Bank official, a prolific writer, and a decorated IPS officer.
The Sasthamangalam ward, notably home to actor and Member of Parliament Suresh Gopi, has garnered considerable attention during the recent elections. As a mayoral candidate for the BJP in a corporation where the party is making significant inroads, Sreelekha’s victory could potentially position her not just as the leader of her ward, but as a key figure in the leadership of the entire city.
Her campaign was not without its challenges. Sreelekha faced restrictions on using her IPS designation on campaign posters. Furthermore, her career was marked by a notable controversy during her tenure as Director General of Prisons. She was criticized for providing humanitarian assistance, including food and water, to actor Dileep while he was in judicial custody in connection with the actress assault case. Despite widespread criticism, Sreelekha firmly maintained that her actions were based purely on humanitarian grounds, a standard she applied to all prisoners. The proximity of her electoral victory and Dileep’s subsequent acquittal from the case has been noted as a curious coincidence.
R. Sreelekha retired from active service on December 31, 2020, as the DGP of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, concluding an illustrious career spanning 33 years and five months. Her transition into local politics is now keenly watched, with expectations high for her leadership in Thiruvananthapuram.