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R Sreelekha, Kerala's pioneering woman IPS officer, has taken a significant step into the political arena by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This decision marks a noteworthy shift for the retired DGP, who had previously held a prominent position within the Indian Police Service (IPS). Sreelekha, known for her groundbreaking achievements as the first woman IPS officer in Kerala and the first to reach the DGP rank, has articulated her motivations behind this move, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's influence and her belief in the BJP's ideology.
Her entry into the BJP comes at a time when Kerala is grappling with the ramifications of a recent controversy involving ADGP MR Ajith Kumar's alleged meetings with senior RSS leaders. Sreelekha is not the first former IPS officer to join the BJP; she follows in the footsteps of former DGP Jacob Thomas, who joined the party in February 2021. While Thomas contested the state assembly elections from Irinjalakuda but lost to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate, Sreelekha's political aspirations remain to be seen.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sreelekha carved a path for women in law enforcement. She held various positions within the police force, including SP in several districts, and later served as DIG and IG. Notably, she also worked with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for four years. Beyond her professional achievements, she has also authored nine books, showcasing her literary talents.
Despite her impressive credentials and service to the nation, Sreelekha's retirement was not without controversy. Her decision to abstain from a formal farewell party and guard of honor, a tradition for DGP-rank officers, raised eyebrows. Additionally, she faced scrutiny for her comments about the actor Dileep case, in which she voiced her belief in his innocence and provided details of special considerations given to him while he was in prison. These statements resulted in an FIR being filed against her. She further ignited controversy by alleging that fellow ADGP Tomin J Thachankary had been harassing her since their IPS training days.
Sreelekha's entry into the BJP has sparked much speculation. Her stated motivations—admiration for Modi and allegiance to the BJP's ideology—could signal a desire to influence public policy and contribute to the party's vision for Kerala. Whether she seeks to contest elections or pursue a more behind-the-scenes role in the party's strategy remains unclear. However, her decision to embrace politics after a long and distinguished career in the IPS is a testament to her ambition and desire to continue making a difference in society.