R. Sreelekha, Kerala’s first Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, expressing her belief that this decision would allow her to better serve the public. Sreelekha, who is a 1987 batch officer and retired as the Director General of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services in 2020, made her announcement in Thiruvananthapuram, where she received her party membership from BJP state president K. Surendran.
Having dedicated over 33 years of service as a non-partisan officer, Sreelekha explained her transition into politics, stating, “I served as a non-partisan officer for 33.5 years. But after my retirement, I began looking at many issues from a distance. That’s when I realized this is the best path to do public service. I have belief and faith in the party’s ideals.”
Sreelekha is known for her significant contributions to the Kerala police force, where she led several reforms aimed at improving efficiency and human rights. She played a crucial role in enhancing the representation of women within the police and was recognized for her commitment to justice.
K. Surendran praised Sreelekha, highlighting her familiarity with the state’s populace and her history of courageous service. “She was a brave officer who led several reforms within the police force. I hope that her years of experience and her leadership will boost the BJP and its worker-base,” he remarked.
Sreelekha began her career in the IPS as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Cherthala, Alappuzha district, and went on to hold various positions, including District Superintendent of Police in multiple districts and roles with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). She achieved the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in 2017, becoming the first woman in Kerala to do so. Before her retirement, she also served as the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services and as head of the Fire and Rescue Services.
Sreelekha’s entry into the BJP marks a significant development in Kerala politics, as she aims to leverage her extensive experience in law enforcement to influence public policy and community service through her new political platform.
Sources By Agencies
