From Intelligence Bureau to State Police Chief: The 1991-batch officer leading Kerala Police with tech, strategy and community trust:
“Policing today is about preventing tomorrow’s crime, not just reacting to yesterday’s.”
This vision defines Dr. Ravada A. Chandrasekhar IPS, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, who currently serves as the Director General of Police & State Police Chief of Kerala since 1 July 2025.
With 11 years in the Intelligence Bureau including as Special Director, and decades of frontline policing, he brings a rare blend of strategic intelligence and grassroots law enforcement to one of India’s most progressive police forces.
Full Name: Dr. Ravada A. Chandrasekhar
Current Designation/Posting: Director General of Police & State Police Chief, Kerala Police
Batch Year: 1991
State Cadre: Kerala
Service Years: 1991–present
Rank: Director General of Police
The Catalyst: The “Why”:
Dr. Chandrasekhar hails from Veeravasaram in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Coming from a region known for its public service ethos, he was drawn to civil services to serve at the intersection of security, policy and people.
His choice of Kerala cadre reflected a desire to work in a state known for high literacy, social development and complex policing challenges from coastal security to cybercrime.
Early Life and the UPSC Journey:
– Roots: West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
– Education: Joined IPS in 1991. While specific degrees are not public, his later role as “Dr.” and Special Director in IB points to advanced academic training in security and public administration.
– Journey: Cleared UPSC and was allocated Kerala cadre in 1991. He rose through the ranks with postings in both state and central agencies, culminating in a rare appointment as Special Director, Intelligence Bureau. 2a21
Stepping into the Field: Notable Stints:
Dr. Chandrasekhar’s career spans critical roles at state and national level:
Frontline Policing in Kerala
Superintendent-level assignments in various districts
DIG, Thrissur Range and DIG, Kochi Range
Police Commissioner, Thiruvananthapuram City
National Security & Intelligence
11 years in Intelligence Bureau
Special Director, IB at the time of appointment as DGP
Handled internal security, counter-terrorism, threat assessment, political intelligence
Reached one of the highest positions in IB, reflecting trust in his discretion and judgement f2022a21
The Turning Point / Signature Initiative
His appointment as Kerala’s 41st State Police Chief on 1 July 2025 marked a turning point. He was chosen over senior candidates for his unique mix of national intelligence experience + decades of Kerala policing.
Current Focus Areas:
– Cybercrime – building tech-driven policing capabilities
– Drug abuse – community and enforcement led crackdowns
– Community policing and development
His tenure has been extended till June 2027 to pursue these priorities.
Challenges Overcome
Dr. Chandrasekhar has handled some of Kerala’s most sensitive assignments:
– 1994 Koothuparamba firing case in Kannur as ASP. Criminal proceedings were later quashed by Kerala High Court.
– Transitioning from invisible intelligence work to very visible public leadership as DGP
– Balancing modern threats like cybercrime and narcotics with traditional law & order
Awards & Recognition
While specific medal details are not in public records, his elevation to Special Director, IB and then State Police Chief reflects the highest institutional recognition. Media across national and regional platforms widely covered his appointment.
Awards and Legacy:
His legacy is being built on 3 pillars:
Bridging Intelligence + Policing – Bringing IB’s strategic thinking to state police
Conclusion & The Vision Ahead
Dr. Chandrasekhar’s philosophy is clear: policing must be proactive, not reactive. With cyber threats and drug networks evolving, his vision is to make Kerala Police one of India’s most modern, humane and effective forces.
Quick Reference –
-To Count: Public service, National security, Citizen trust
Full Name: Dr. Ravada A. Chandrasekhar
– Current Posting: DGP & State Police Chief, Kerala Police
– Previous Postings: Special Director, IB, Police Commissioner Trivandrum, DIG Thrissur & Kochi
– Awards & Achievements: 11 years in IB, Led national security operations, Appointed DGP 2025
– Education: IPS 1991 batch, Advanced studies in security/public policy
– Batch: 1991
– Promotions: ASP → SP → DIG → IG → Special Director IB → DGP
– Key Issues Handled: Counter-terrorism, Cybercrime, Drug abuse, Community policing, Internal security
– Inspirations
The Message From The Officer:
“The trust of citizens is the biggest weapon of police. Our goal is to ensure that every person in Kerala feels safe, heard and protected – whether from a cyber fraud in Kochi or a drug peddler in a village. Together with the community, we will build a safer tomorrow.”
