Harpreet Singh Kohli at 15:02, 27 April 2026

2026-04-27T15:02:28Z

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{{short description|First female IPS officer from Kerala}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix =
| name = R. Sreelekha
| honorific_suffix =
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1960|12|25}}
| birth_place = [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kerala]], India
| spouse = Dr. S. Sethunath
| alma_mater = [[Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram]]
| occupation = Police officer, politician
| political_party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (2024–present)
| module = {{Infobox police officer
| embed = yes
| department = [[Kerala Police]]
| country = {{IND}}
| allegiance = [[Indian Police Service]] (Kerala Cadre)
| service_years = 1987–2020
| rank = [[Director General of Police]] (Retired)
| cadre = Kerala
| batch = 1987
| awards = {{Unbulleted list
| Police Medal for Meritorious Service
| [[File:IND President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.svg|30px]] [[President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service]]
}}
| status = Retired DGP
}}
}}

'''R. Sreelekha''' (born 25 December 1960) is an Indian politician and retired police officer in the [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS), who was the first woman IPS officer as well as the first woman [[Director general of police|Director General of Police]] (DGP) from [[Keralam]].<ref name="Pres Medal">{{cite news|date=26 January 2013|title=President's medal for R.Sreelekha|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/presidents-medal-for-r-sreelekha/article4347063.ece|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref> She retired from service as the [[Director general|Director General]] of [[Kerala Fire and Rescue Services|Fire and Rescue Services]], [[Civil defense|Civil Defence]], and [[Home Guard (India)|Home Guards]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-12-14 |title=Who is R Sreelekha? Kerala’s first woman IPS officer, BJP’s frontrunner for Thiruvananthapuram mayor |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/who-is-r-sreelekha-keralas-first-woman-ips-bjps-frontrunner-for-thiruvananthapuram-mayor/articleshow/125957709.cms |access-date=2025-12-24 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> She is the current [[councillor]] for the [[Sasthamangalam]] ward of the [[Thiruvananthapuram Corporation]].

Sreelekha is also an author and now running a successful YouTube channel- “''Sasneham Sreelekha''” ''(With Love, Sreelekha)'' to share her experiences as a police officer. She has also served as managing director for public sector organisations in Kerala. During her tenure in the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]], she earned the nickname of 'Raid Sreelekha'.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ullas|first=A S|title=Sreelekha IPS @ 25|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/gulfContentView.do?contentId=15605895&programId=11565535&BV_ID=@@@&|access-date=28 February 2014|newspaper=Malayala Manorama|date=3 December 2013}}</ref>

== Early life and family ==

Sreelekha was born on [[Christmas|Christmas Day]] of 1960<ref>{{cite news |last1=archive |first1=From our online |title=Kerala’s first woman IPS officer Sreelekha now becomes first woman DGP |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/Sep/21/keralas-first-woman-ips-officer-sreelekha-now-becomes-first-woman-dgp-1660341.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=21 September 2017 |language=en}}</ref> at [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Keralam]], as the daughter of Prof. N. Velayudhan Nair and B. Radhamma.<ref name=KCadre>{{cite web|title=IPS (Kerala Cadre) Civil List as on 01-01-2012|url=http://www.gadsplais.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/ips_01-01-2012.pdf|publisher=General Administration Department, Government of Kerala|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="kerala">{{cite web|title=R.Sreelekha, IPS|url=http://www.kerala.com/kerala_Celebrities/celebrity.php?recid=134|publisher=Kerala.com|accessdate=26 February 2014|archive-date=26 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326104117/http://www.kerala.com/kerala_Celebrities/celebrity.php?recid=134|url-status=dead}}</ref> Her father had fought in the [[World War II]] as a soldier in the Indian Army for the [[Allies of World War II|Allied Forces]].

Sreelekha is married to Dr. Sethunath, a professor of pediatric surgery at [[Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram|Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram]]. The couple has a son, Gokul.

== Education ==

Sreelekha completed her schooling from [[Government Higher Secondary School for Girls, Cotton Hill]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Back to school|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/02/11/stories/2010021151340100.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140324154747/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/02/11/stories/2010021151340100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 March 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2010-02-11|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref> where she was involved in various activities like music, drama, [[National Cadet Corps (India)|NCC]] and [[National Service Scheme|NSS]].

She then went on to complete her bachelor's degree in English Literature at the [[Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram]]. She then did her master's<ref name="Pres Medal" /> at the Institute of English in the [[University of Kerala]].<ref name=kerala /> In 2005, while in service, she obtained an [[Master of Business Administration|MBA]] in [[Human resource management|Human Resource Management]] from [[Indira Gandhi National Open University|IGNOU]].<ref name=kerala />

She was awarded the prestigious [[Chevening Scholarship|Chevening Fellowship]] by the [[Government of the United Kingdom]] and she undertook the fellowship studies in [[King's College London]], [[Sciences Po|Sciences Po Paris]], [[University of Edinburgh]], [[United Nations]] offices in [[United Nations Office at Geneva|Geneva]] and [[Oxford]] from September to December 2015.

She also attended the Mid-Career Training Program at the [[London Business School]] and [[Metropolitan Police]] (Scotland Yard) in 2013.

== Career ==

'''<big>Early career</big>'''

Prior to joining the police service, Sreelekha, worked as a lecturer at the Shree Vidyadhiraja College. She also worked for the [[Reserve Bank of India]], as a Grade B Officer and was posted as a Statistical Officer in [[Mumbai]].<ref name="Blog">{{cite web|title=Sreelekha IPS|url=http://sreelekhaips.blogspot.com/|work=Who am I?|publisher=Sreelekha R|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref>

'''<big>Indian Police Service</big>'''

In January 1987, at the age of 26, Sreelekha became the first woman IPS officer in Kerala Cadre.

After joining the police service, she has served as [[Superintendent of police (India)|District Superintendent of Police]] in 3 districts, [[Alappuzha district|Alappuzha]], [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta]]<ref>{{cite web|title=An officer and a writer|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2003/05/01/stories/2003050100740200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324185639/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2003/05/01/stories/2003050100740200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 March 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2003-05-01|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref> and [[Thrissur district|Thrissur]]. Sreelekha also worked with the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] for 4 years as [[Superintendent of police (India)|Superintendent of Police]] in Kerala and [[Deputy inspector general of police#India|DIG]] in [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Failure to curb abkari-official nexus|url=http://www.hindu.com/2000/11/08/stories/0408211v.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324190617/http://www.hindu.com/2000/11/08/stories/0408211v.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 March 2014|accessdate=27 February 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 November 2000}}</ref> She was promoted to Deputy Inspector General of the [[Ernakulam]] Range.<ref>{{cite news|title=New appointments in Police force soon|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/28/stories/2004092802530300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041014021858/http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/28/stories/2004092802530300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 October 2004|accessdate=26 February 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 September 2004}}</ref>

In 2005, Sreelekha was posted as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Co-operative Rubber Marketing Federation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Monitoring System to strengthen policing|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/18/stories/2005081817700300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205103613/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/18/stories/2005081817700300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 December 2007|accessdate=26 February 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 August 2005}}</ref> In June 2007,<ref name=kerala /> she was posted as the Managing Director of the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala.<ref>{{cite web|title=Public Information Officers|url=http://rti.kerala.gov.in/rrti.php?slno=391|publisher=Right to Information, Kerala Government|accessdate=26 February 2014|archive-date=24 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324185230/http://rti.kerala.gov.in/rrti.php?slno=391|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Later on, she also served as the [[Inspector general#India|Inspector General]], [[Criminal Investigation Department#India|CID]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Conference of Directors General of Police of Southern States(press)|url=http://www.keralapolice.org/newsite/news_archive.html|publisher=Kerala Police|accessdate=26 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304101207/http://www.keralapolice.org/newsite/news_archive.html|archive-date=4 March 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Promotions in Police force|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/promotions-in-police-force/article315198.ece|accessdate=26 February 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|date=25 April 2009}}</ref>
She also served as Addl. DGP, Armed Police Battalions<ref>{{cite web|title=IPS officers working as head of departments/offices|url=http://www.gadsplais.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/ips_head.pdf|publisher=General Administration Dept. Government of Kerala|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref> with additional charge for Training.<ref name=KCadre />
From her posting as [[Additional director general of police|ADGP]] Vigilance,<ref>{{cite news|title=Perverts rule streets|url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/121105/news-current-affairs/article/perverts-rule-streets|accessdate=26 February 2014|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|date=5 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326105016/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/121105/news-current-affairs/article/perverts-rule-streets|archive-date=26 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> on 15 February 2014, she has been posted as ADGP (Police Home Guards, Community Policing, Gender Justice and Nodal Officer for Nirbhaya).<ref>{{cite news|title=Top cops shifted ahead of elections|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Top-cops-shifted-ahead-of-elections/articleshow/30481464.cms|work=Times of India|date=16 February 2014 |accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reshuffle in Top Cop Echelons|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Reshuffle-in-Top-Cop-Echelons/2014/02/16/article2059731.ece#.Uw5MFPk1eSo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326111808/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Reshuffle-in-Top-Cop-Echelons/2014/02/16/article2059731.ece#.Uw5MFPk1eSo|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 March 2014|accessdate=26 February 2014|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=16 February 2014}}</ref>

She was the Organising Secretary of the 5th National Conference of Women in Police, organised by the Bureau of Police Research & Development in July 2012,<ref>{{cite news|title=National meet of women in police|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/national-meet-of-women-in-police/article3656109.ece|accessdate=27 February 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 July 2012}}</ref> and is also a strong advocate of gender parity in the Kerala Police force.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala police not women-friendly?|url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130128/news-current-affairs/article/kerala-police-not-women-friendly|accessdate=27 February 2014|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|date=28 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817110933/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130128/news-current-affairs/article/kerala-police-not-women-friendly|archive-date=17 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> As ADGP, Sreelekha was asked by [[Kerala]] Home Minister, [[Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan]] to conduct an inquiry into the involvement of Kerala Information Commissioner K. Natarajan, who had allegedly persuaded a Dy.S.P of Police to leave out the name of [[V. S. Achuthanandan]] from the list of accused in a land scam case.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala information commissioner suspended|url=http://www.thesundayindian.com/en/story/kerala-information-commissioner-suspended/254/43339/|accessdate=28 February 2014|newspaper=The Sunday Indian|date=12 November 2012|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204195011/http://www.thesundayindian.com/en/story/kerala-information-commissioner-suspended/254/43339/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After completion of investigations, Sreelekha recommended the suspension of the Information Commissioner, upon finding that the official had misused his office.<ref>{{cite news|title=Information Commissioner suspended for 'meddling' with police investigation|url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main54.asp?filename=Ws121112Kerala.asp|accessdate=28 February 2014|newspaper=Tehelka|date=12 November 2012}}</ref>
R. Sreelekha as ADGP Vigilance & anti-corruption Bureau, chargesheeted the Disproportionate Asset case against [[Inspector general#India|IG]] Tomin J. Thachankary, accused also in several other cases. As retaliation, Thachankary accused Sreelekha for violating norms in visiting [[Thailand]] prior to Government Permission.<ref>{{cite news|title=Many went on such trips, only I got the stick: Thachankary plea to CAT|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/many-went-on-such-trips-only-i-got-the-stick-thachankary-plea-to-cat/610112/|accessdate=28 February 2014|newspaper=The Indian Express.|date=23 April 2010}}</ref>

Sreelekha sought permission from the government to file a defamation suit against Tomin J. Thachankary, and obtained the same.<ref>{{cite news|title=Govt for Reviewing Thachankary's Service Records|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Govt-for-Reviewing-Thachankarys-Service-Records/2014/01/18/article2005660.ece?service=print|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205133625/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Govt-for-Reviewing-Thachankarys-Service-Records/2014/01/18/article2005660.ece?service=print|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2015|accessdate=28 February 2014|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=18 January 2014}}</ref> As the Transport Commissioner in Kerala, she reduced the road accidents and fatalities substantially through inclusive road safety measures and in 2014, there were 292 less fatalities in Kerala against the statistics in 2013, which was a record achievement in India. The revenue from taxes and penalties reached an all-time high of Rs 3000 crore during her tenure. [[Kerala Motor Vehicles Department|Motor Vehicles Department]] became successful in e-governance, Vahan-Sarathy was completed and an android app called 'Smart trace' was made to detect vehicle duplications and digital record of around 98 lakh vehicles in the state. She also conducted Asia's first ever Road Hackathon with assistance from the World Bank, at Technopark where over 300 participants showcased their technological innovations to better road safety in the State.

For detecting Praveen Murder case in Kottayam and arresting the then - DySP R Shaji and also for getting lifetime imprisonment for him and his accomplices within 90 days of chargesheeting the case, she was awarded the Government's Meritorious Service Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/top-police-officer-arrested-in-praveen-murder-case-1.278607|title = Top police officer arrested in Praveen murder case| date=25 February 2005 }}</ref>

She was the officer investigating the Kiliroor sex scandal case, and reported to the CBI court that there was no VIP involved. [[Thomas Chandy]], an MLA and K. P. Mohanan was accused of being linked to the case. However, Sreelekha's deposition to the court was on the basis of the statement from the victim which absolved the two.<ref>{{cite news|title=No VIP involved in Kiliroor case, IG clarifies|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-vip-involved-in-kiliroor-case-ig-clarifies/211869-60-116.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305010852/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-vip-involved-in-kiliroor-case-ig-clarifies/211869-60-116.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2014|accessdate=28 February 2014|newspaper=IBN|date=14 December 2011}}</ref> R.Sreelekha investigated the irregularities in Consumerfed in procuring rice above the market price and for irregularities found in various godowns in [[Kochi]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Ramesh: No Bid to Derail Consumerfed Case Probe|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/Ramesh-No-Bid-to-Derail-Consumerfed-Case-Probe/2014/01/12/article1996272.ece#.UxCl8vk1eSo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112052246/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/Ramesh-No-Bid-to-Derail-Consumerfed-Case-Probe/2014/01/12/article1996272.ece#.UxCl8vk1eSo|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 January 2014|accessdate=28 February 2014|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=12 January 2014}}</ref> She was the Transport Commissioner of Kerala from July 2013 to September 2015, during which time, road accidents and fatalities were at an all-time low. Asia's first ever road safety Hackathon conducted by her with assistance from World Bank at Technopark Trivandrum was a huge success.

As ADGP Crime Records Bureau, she completed the Crime & Criminal Tracking networking system and started an interactive website "THUNA" (The Hand U Need for Assistance) for a public interface with police. As Additional DGP, Intelligence, Kerala from June 2016 to January 2017, her proposal to start a counseling center HATS (Help and Assistance to Tackle Stress) for police officers who are suffering from mental stress, to help those who have personal problems such as addiction, issues with senior officers, family problems, financial problems, suicide tendencies etc. has been approved by the Department.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/tomin-thachankary-troubling-me-29-years-sreelekha-cops-vigilance.html|title = Home}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/kerala-woman-ips-officer-says-fellow-adgp-harassing-her-for-29-years/|title = Kerala: Woman IPS officer says fellow ADGP harassing her for 29 years|date = February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/kerala-ips-officer-alleges-harassment-by-colleague-1.1662525|title=Kerala IPS officer alleges harassment by colleague|date=30 January 2016 }}</ref><ref>
[http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/010216/kerala-woman-ips-officer-accuses-colleague-of-harassment-for-29]{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} years.html</ref>

She got promoted to the rank of Director General of Police in September 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/sep/21/keralas-first-woman-ips-officer-sreelekha-now-becomes-first-woman-dgp-1660341.html|title = Kerala's first woman IPS officer Sreelekha now becomes first woman DGP| date=21 September 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/many-tried-to-prove-that-ips-is-not-for-a-woman/articleshow/60840755.cms|title = R Sreelekha IPS officer: 'Many tried to prove that IPS is not for a woman' | Kochi News - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]| date=27 September 2017 }}</ref> From January 2017 to June 2019, she worked as the Director General of [[Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services]]. She had introduced several positive changes in the 54 prisons in the State which are now referred to as Correctional Centers. From June 2017 to 1 June 2020, she was the head of a newly created post, "Social Policing & Traffic" in Kerala and was stationed at the Kerala State Police Headquarters.

She took charge as the [[Director general (police)|Director General]] heading the [[Kerala Fire and Rescue Services|Kerala Fire And Rescue Services]] on 1 June 2020, becoming the first 'Woman DGP' of independent charge in Kerala.

She retired on 31 December 2020, as the Director General of the [[Kerala Fire and Rescue Services|Kerala Fire And Rescue Services]], after completing 33 years and 5 months in the service.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance/r-sreelekha-first-woman-ips-officer-in-kerala-retires/80050773|title=R Sreelekha, First woman IPS officer in Kerala retires - ET Government}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/r-sreelekha-first-woman-dgp-in-kerala-retires-from-service-1.5322974|title = R Sreelekha, first woman DGP in Kerala, retires from service| date=January 2021 }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/mobile/news.php?id=463755&u=keralas-first-woman-ips-officer-sreelekha-retires-after-33-years-of-service | title=Kerala's first woman IPS officer Sreelekha retires after 33 years of service }}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/sreelekha-set-to-be-first-woman-dgp/article31689117.ece|title = R. Sreelekha, the first woman IPS officer in Kerala, set to be the State's first woman DGP|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 27 May 2020}}</ref>

=== Police career ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''In Kerala Police Department'''
! Post
! Term
! Rank Insignia
|-
|Assistant Superintendent of Police
|1987
|
|-
| Superintendent of Police (Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur Districts)
| c. 1987–1990s
| [[File:IPS SP.png|thumb|127x127px|SP]]
|-
| Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ernakulam Range)
| c. 2000s
| [[File:IPS DIG.png|thumb|127x127px|DIG]]
|-
| Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch
| c. 2000s
| [[File:IPS IG.png|thumb|127x127px|IGP]]
|-
| Additional Director General of Police, Armed Police Battalions (Training)
| c. 2010–2014
| [[File:IPS DG+ADG.png|thumb|127x127px|ADGP Grade]]
|-
| ADGP (Police Home Guards, Community Policing, Gender Justice, Nirbhaya)
| 2014–2016
| [[File:IPS DG+ADG.png|thumb|127x127px|ADGP Grade]]
|-
| Additional Director General of Police, Intelligence
| 2016–2017
| [[File:IPS DG+ADG.png|thumb|127x127px|ADGP Grade]]
|-
| Director (Social Policing & Traffic), Kerala Police Headquarters
| 2017–2020
| [[File:IPS DG+ADG.png|thumb|127x127px|DGP Grade]]
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ '''Offices held on deputation'''
! Post
! Term
! Rank Insignia
|-
| Superintendent of Police, [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI)
| c. 1990s
| [[File:IPS SP.png|thumb|127x127px|SP]]
|-
|Deputy inspector general of police, [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI)
|
|
|-
| Additional Director General of Police, Vigilance
([[Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau|Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau]])
| 2014
| [[File:IPS DG+ADG.png|thumb|127x127px|ADGP Grade]]
|-
| Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services
([[Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services|Kerala Prisons & Correctional Services]])
| 2017–2019
| [[File:IPS DG+ADG.png|thumb|127x127px|ADGP Grade]]
|-
| Director General, Fire and Rescue Services, Civil defence, Homeguards
([[Kerala Fire and Rescue Services]])
| 2020
| [[File:IPS DG+ADG.png|thumb|127x127px|DGP Grade ]]
|-
|}

== Political career ==

After her retirement, Sreelekha became a candidate for the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] for the 2025 [[Thiruvananthapuram Corporation]] elections.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/bjps-sreelekha-and-cpims-v-joy-in-a-political-tit-for-tat-over-the-former-dgps-suitability-as-a-councillor-candidate/article70266326.ece</ref> She was elected as a councillor from Ward No. 41, [[Sasthamangalam]], of the [[Thiruvananthapuram Corporation]], as BJP candidate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-12-14 |title=Who is R Sreelekha? Kerala’s first woman IPS officer, BJP’s frontrunner for Thiruvananthapuram mayor |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/who-is-r-sreelekha-keralas-first-woman-ips-bjps-frontrunner-for-thiruvananthapuram-mayor/articleshow/125957709.cms |access-date=2025-12-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

She is contesting the [[2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election|Kerala Assembly elections]] from the [[Vattiyoorkavu Assembly constituency]].<ref>{{cite web |title=R. SREELEKHA |url=https://www.myneta.info/Kerala2026/candidate.php?candidate_id=293 |work=myneta.info |access-date=8 April 2026 }}</ref>

== Medals and recognition ==

* In 2004, as DIG Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Sreelekha was awarded the President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic Day Police Medals, 2004 announced|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=809|work=POLICE MEDALS TO 627 PERSONNEL|publisher=Press Information Bureau|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref>
* In 2013, as ADGP Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Sreelekha was awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Force Wise/State Wise list of medal awardees to the Police personnel on the occasion of Republic Day 2013|url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2013/jan/d2013012501.pdf|work=President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service 2013|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=President's police medal for ADGP R Sreelekha IPS|url=http://www.madhyamam.com/en/node/8488|accessdate=26 February 2014|newspaper=Madhyamam|date=25 January 2013}}</ref>
* In 2006, during her stint as managing director, the Rubber Board won the Thailand Government's Best Exporter of Rubber in Asia award.<ref name="Pres Medal" />
* Sreelekha was selected for the prestigious Chevening Fellowship by the Government of United Kingdom and she attended the fellowship in London at King's College from September to December 2015. She also attended specialised training at Scotland Yard/metropolitan police of UK.
* She won the Indian Overseas Award for Public Service in 2006.
* FOKANA award for literary contributions was given to her in 2005.
* In 2007, she received the Kerala Government's Meritorious Services Award for detecting the sensational case of the murder of a civilian named Praveen by the then-Deputy Superintendent of Police R Shaji. After the investigation, Shaji was found guilty by the court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/top-police-officer-arrested-in-praveen-murder-case-1.278607|title = Top police officer arrested in Praveen murder case| date=25 February 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2015/08/18/kerala-road-safety-authority-and-world-bank-group-organize-hackathon-on-road-safety|title=Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) and World Bank Group Organize a Hackathon on Road Safety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Two-day-Kerala-Road-Safety-Hackathon-Comes-to-an-End/2015/08/24/article2990067.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826222932/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Two-day-Kerala-Road-Safety-Hackathon-Comes-to-an-End/2015/08/24/article2990067.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2015|title = Two-day Kerala Road Safety Hackathon Comes to an End}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/hackathon-for-road-safety-solutions/article7506313.ece|title = Hackathon for road safety solutions|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 6 August 2015}}</ref>

== Selected works ==

Sreelekha has penned and published 9 books.

* Cheru marmarangal (2005)<ref>{{cite web|title=IPS officer authors third book|url=http://www.sureshmehrotra.com/archive/2005/May/14-5-2005.html|publisher=Whispers in the corridors|accessdate=27 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324190357/http://www.sureshmehrotra.com/archive/2005/May/14-5-2005.html|archive-date=24 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Neerazhikapuram (2006)<ref>{{cite web|title=Neerazhikapuram|url=https://www.amazon.com/nirazhikkapuram-R-Sreelekha-I-P-S/dp/B007E4WRXI/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393451352&sr=1-4|publisher=Amazon|accessdate=27 February 2014}}</ref>
* Maranna Doothan (2008)<ref>{{cite book|title=Maranna Doothan|isbn = 978-8126419647|last1 = Śr̲Īlēkha|first1 = Ār|date = January 2008| publisher=Ḍi. Si. Buks }}</ref>
* Kuzhaloothukaran (2009)<ref name=DCBooks>{{cite web|title=Sreelekha IPS|url=http://onlinestore.dcbooks.com/author/sreelekha-r--i-p-s-|publisher=DC Books|accessdate=27 February 2014|archive-date=24 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324185657/http://onlinestore.dcbooks.com/author/sreelekha-r--i-p-s-|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Lottos Theenikal (2009)<ref name=DCBooks />
* Mansile Mazhavillu (2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Chakshumathi's Cochin Centre opened|url=http://www.chakshumathi.org/ChakshumathisCochinCentreopened.html|publisher=Chakshumathi|accessdate=27 February 2014|url-status=usurped|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324185531/http://www.chakshumathi.org/ChakshumathisCochinCentreopened.html|archivedate=24 March 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* Niyama samrakshanam Streekalkku- a book on legal awareness to women
* Kuttikalum Policum- a book for the children about Police and their activities
* Jaagarookan (2013)- Detective novel Publisher DC Books
* Thamasoma- Detective series in Kerala Koumudi magazine
* "Balipatham", her latest novel depicts the true story of Mahabali, believed to have ruled Kerala eons back & whose return from the netherworld, Onam, the famous state festival is celebrated every year. This nook is published by Mathrubhumi Books on 2.10.2024

She writes regular columns in periodicals and magazines. Her column in Vanitha Magazine, "Marupuram, the Other Side" which is being published now is well appreciated by the readers.

Sasneham Sreelekha- YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/channel/UCup0QqQP2A95jqYkzJuuU9w

==See also==
*[[Kappazhom Raman Pillai]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* Interview on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNdtt-GMUNk Asianet On Record]
* https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213053/http://www.dcbooks.com/jagarookan-released.html
* https://www.amazon.in/Books-R-Sreelekha/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A976389031%2Cp_27%3AR%20Sreelekha
* http://www.bharatchannels.com/asianet-news-shows-watch-online/sreelekha-ips-transport-commissioner-detective-fiction-released-video_7cf630261.html
* http://malayalam.tv.cybernewsblog.com/interview-r-sreelekha-ips-transport-commissioner-in-varthaprabhatham {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213000745/http://malayalam.tv.cybernewsblog.com/interview-r-sreelekha-ips-transport-commissioner-in-varthaprabhatham |date=13 February 2015 }}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sreelekha, R.}}
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:University of Kerala alumni]]
[[Category:Articles created or expanded during Women's History Month (India) - 2014]]
[[Category:Indian women police officers]]
[[Category:Women from Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian civil servants]]
[[Category:Civil servants from Kerala]]
[[Category:Politicians from Thiruvananthapuram]]
[[Category:Women in Kerala politics]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian police officers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women politicians]]

R. Sreelekha - Revision history

Harpreet Singh Kohli at 15:02, 27 April 2026