Telangana is witnessing a transformative chapter in its policing history as a growing number of women Indian Police Service (IPS) officers rise to occupy key leadership roles across the state. Out of 128 serving IPS officers and three retired officers on special duty, 32 are women—a remarkable representation that underlines the state’s commitment to gender-inclusive governance and effective law enforcement.
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For the first time, several women IPS officers are not only heading critical divisions under the Home and General Administration Department but also driving reforms in intelligence, vigilance, crime prevention, and public safety. This marks a milestone moment for women’s leadership in the Telangana Police Service.
Women at the Helm of Telangana Police Leadership
Telangana’s women IPS officers have broken new ground by leading vital divisions once dominated by men. Six of them currently head top-tier departments such as Crime Investigation Department (CID), Women Safety, Cyber Security, Vigilance, Intelligence, and Prisons—symbolizing a shift toward balanced and progressive policing.
Ms. Charu Sinha: The First Woman to Head CID and CRPF Sectors
A 1996-batch IPS officer, Ms. Charu Sinha made history in 2014 as the first woman to head Telangana’s CID. She was later deputed to the central service, where she became the first woman IPS officer to lead CRPF sectors in Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, and the South Zone.
After returning to the Telangana cadre, she now shoulders multiple key roles—as Chief of CID, Women Safety Division, and SHE Teams, in addition to serving as the first woman DGP of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Her dynamic leadership reflects Telangana’s evolving model of gender-diverse governance.
Ms. Shikha Goel: Leading the Fight Against Cybercrime
Originally from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Ms. Shikha Goel (1994 batch) joined the Telangana cadre post-bifurcation and has since been instrumental in tackling cybercrime. Having served as Additional DGP (Crime) and CID Chief, she successfully dismantled several interstate cyber fraud networks, ensuring that victims recovered their lost funds.
She currently serves as the Director of Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGSCSB) and is the first woman IPS officer to hold the position of DG, Vigilance and Enforcement.
Ms. B. Sumathi Reddy: Breaking Barriers in Intelligence
From her early days as a Deputy Superintendent of Police to becoming an IPS officer, Ms. B. Sumathi Reddy (2006 batch) has carved a distinct path in the Indian policing landscape. Now heading the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB)—a critical division monitoring Maoist activities—she is the first woman in India to lead such a department.
Taking charge as IG in December 2023, she has strengthened Telangana’s intelligence apparatus, particularly in countering extremist threats.
Ms. Swati Lakra: Architect of Telangana’s Women Safety Framework
A 1995-batch IPS officer, Ms. Swati Lakra has been a driving force behind the SHE Teams initiative, expanding it from Hyderabad to the entire state. The initiative has become a model for women’s safety programs nationwide.
Currently serving as Additional DGP for Organisations and Home Guards and DG of the Special Protection Force (SPF), she continues to focus on women-centric policing strategies and community safety modules.
Ms. Abhilasha Bisht: Training the Next Generation of Police Leaders
Belonging to the 1994 batch and the Jharkhand cadre, Ms. Abhilasha Bisht became the first woman Director of the Telangana Police Academy, established in 1986. The academy plays a key role in training constables and DSP-level officers. Previously, she also served as the head of the Telangana Special Police, demonstrating exemplary administrative and leadership skills.
Dr. Soumya Mishra: Reforming Prisons, Rehabilitating Lives
The first woman IPS officer from Odisha, Dr. Soumya Mishra (1994 batch) has served across several districts, including Warangal, where she introduced a rehabilitation policy for surrendered Maoists, aiding their reintegration into society.
Since December 2023, she has been serving as the Director General of Prisons, Telangana, initiating progressive reforms such as new correctional facilities, welfare programs for released prisoners, and vocational training initiatives.
A Progressive Model of Policing and Governance
The increasing number of women IPS officers in Telangana is not just a gender milestone but also a reflection of the state’s evolving governance model—one that champions inclusivity, accountability, and modern policing.
Their collective contribution represents a broader movement towards administrative balance, community-driven reforms, and empathetic leadership in public service.
Telangana’s women IPS officers are thus not only commanding crucial divisions but are also shaping the future of equitable law enforcement in India.
