In the dense forests and dangerous terrains of Madhya Pradesh, one name has struck fear into the heart of poachers, illegal miners, and wildlife traffickers – Shraddha Pandre, a 2017-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Known popularly as “Lady Singham”, Pandre’s relentless drive, integrity, and fearless approach have earned her both admiration and infamy – depending on which side of the law one stands.
Currently posted as Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), South Shahdol, Shraddha has led numerous high-impact wildlife crime operations and anti-mafia crackdowns, all while balancing the challenging responsibilities of double territorial charges and a young son back home.
Indian Masterminds interacted with Ms Pandre to learn more about her daring initiatives and their impact. “I’ve faced transfers, attacks, and threats, but my resolve remains firm – protecting our forests is not just my job, it’s my mission,” Ms Shraddha affirms with quiet strength.
Early Life: From Tribal Roots to Forest Frontlines
Born in Bila Tola village, in the Naxal-affected Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, Shraddha Pandre belongs to a tribal family. Her journey from the modest corridors of a government girls’ school in Chhindwara to the commanding post of a DFO is a story of grit and determination. Staying in a tribal hostel, she pursued a B.Sc. from Jatashankar College, before clearing MPPSC in 2009, leading her to train at the Forest Academy in Dehradun (2010–12).
Despite her modest beginnings and a young son to care for, Shraddha has never backed down from challenges – be it confronting armed sand mafias or unraveling international wildlife trafficking networks.
The Warrior of Chambal: Clashing with the Sand Mafia
Shraddha’s fearlessness was first nationally recognized during her posting in Chambal’s Morena district as Superintendent of Chambal Sanctuary, beginning April 12, 2021.
Within just 2.5 months, she launched aggressive operations against the sand and stone mafia, leading to the seizure of 78 vehicles, including:
- 66 tractor-trolleys loaded with illegal sand and timber,
- 5 trucks,
- 1 JCB,
- 1 pickup,
- 5 motorcycles, and
- A Scorpio SUV.
- Over 20 accused were sent to jail.
“Each raid was done on-ground – I was there with my team. The mafia was in shock. We didn’t just seize vehicles; we shattered their confidence,” Ms Shraddha recalls.
Her crackdown was so effective that within three months, she faced 11 physical attacks, averaging one attack every eight days – a testament to the threat she posed to entrenched criminal networks.
Transfers as Retaliation: Betul to Sagar and Beyond
Her commitment came at a price. During her tenure in Chicholi, Betul, Shraddha disrupted illegal teak smuggling, which led to pressure from vested interests, forcing her transfer to Sagar, and then in quick succession to Umaria, and finally to Morena – each transfer more challenging than the last.
Despite the instability, she remained undeterred.
“Transfer is not a punishment for me. It’s just a change of battlefield,” she says with a wry smile.
The Shahdol Chapter: Taking Down Wildlife Syndicates
Since assuming charge as DFO, South Shahdol, Shraddha has spearheaded a string of sensational wildlife crime busts, disrupting national and international wildlife trafficking networks.
Major Operations Under Her Leadership:
May 5, 2025 – Chambal River Trafficking Bust
- 15 individuals from an international syndicate were arrested for smuggling red-tiled turtles and pangolins.
- The accused hailed from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
- A Mercedes-Benz and contractor from Ghadiyal Sanctuary were seized.
- 10 accused were remanded for 2.5 years by the High Court.
Oct 11, 2023 – Pangolin Smugglers Convicted
- In Jaitpur Range, pangolin traffickers were arrested.
- Sentenced to 3–3.5 years and fined ₹25,000–₹30,000.
Nov 3, 2023 – Tiger Poaching Case
- 13 accused arrested within 24 hours for killing a tiger using electric traps.
- All produced in court and jailed.
“We found a tiger carcass and within 24 hours had 13 people in custody. We don’t wait for paperwork – we act,” IFS Shraddha recounts.
May 29, 2024 – Possession of Wildlife Parts
- Arrested Kanurendra Singh and subsequently Bhupendra and Jayant Singh.
- All jailed in Shahdol for illegal wildlife possession.
Sep 17, 2024 – Parrot Traffickers Caught
- 3 accused caught trading Schedule-II protected parrots.
- Judicial custody granted after evidence presentation.
June 2, 2025 – Cross-Border Wildlife Crime Bust
- 8 accused from MP, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar arrested.
- Seized: turtle shells, pangolin scales, arms, phones, and vehicle.
- Tackling Timber Theft and Industrial Corruption
Shraddha has also fought against:
- Illegal teak cutting in Betul
- Timber laundering involving sal wood
- Unauthorized eucalyptus felling for paper mills
- Farmers transporting wood without Transit Passes (TPs)
“Even officials were involved in mixing sal from Bhumish forest into other areas. We booked them. No one is above the law,” she asserts.
Her proactive fines and seizures helped the government recover significant revenue, while simultaneously sending a stern message to violators.
Double Duty: Managing Anuppur & Shahdol Together
For 13 months, Shraddha managed double charge – handling both South Shahdol and Anuppur regions, where elephant-human conflicts and wildlife issues were rampant.
“Double charge meant twice the effort, but also double the opportunity to make a difference,” she says.
A Role Model in Green Epaulettes
At just 36 years old, Ms Shraddha has emerged as a symbol of resilience, integrity, and fearless governance. Her leadership style is hands-on, and her dedication unquestionable.
Whether facing threats from sand mafias, exposing forest corruption, or rescuing endangered species, her actions reflect a rare blend of professionalism and personal commitment.
“These forests are not just trees and rivers – they’re living systems. Protecting them is protecting our future,” IFS Shraddha concludes.
The Forest Has a Guardian
IFS Shraddha’s journey is more than a story of administrative excellence – it is an embodiment of courage under fire. In a system often swayed by pressure, her steadfastness makes her a rare force in Indian bureaucracy. She is, indeed, the Lady Singham of India’s forests – a name that will echo for years in the heart of the wild.
