New Delhi: Shefeen Ahamed K, a Kerala-born 2003-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Odisha cadre, died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 50 after battling cancer.
Ahamed was serving as Inspector General (IG) of Police, Crime Branch, CID and Cyber Crime in Odisha, a position he had held since July 2023. He died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he was undergoing treatment.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, political leaders and the Odisha Police establishment, with tributes recalling his dedication, professionalism and contribution to policing.
Shefeen Ahamed Dies After Prolonged Cancer Battle
Ahamed had been diagnosed with cancer in early 2025. According to a senior IPS officer, he initially recovered after treatment, but his health deteriorated again around three to four months before his death.
He subsequently underwent specialised treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad before being admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he breathed his last.
A senior IPS officer described his death as the end of a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.
Ahamed was 50 years old at the time of his death.
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Who Was Shefeen Ahamed K?
Shefeen Ahamed K was a 2003-batch direct-recruit IPS officer of the Odisha cadre.
Born and brought up in Kerala, he entered the Indian Police Service after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and formally joined the IPS on September 1, 2003.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Ahamed served in several policing and administrative positions, eventually rising to the rank of Inspector General.
His professional experience included assignments in crime investigation, cybercrime and other critical policing operations.
Shefeen Ahamed: Profile at a Glance
- Full name: Shefeen Ahamed K
- Service: Indian Police Service
- Batch: 2003
- Cadre: Odisha
- IPS Identity Number: 20031028
- Year of birth: 1976
- Age at demise: 50
- Date of demise: August 31, 2026
- Home state: Kerala
- Last position: IG of Police, Crime Branch, CID and Cyber Crime, Odisha
- IPS joining date: September 1, 2003
Engineering Graduate Before Joining IPS
Before entering the civil services, Shefeen Ahamed pursued an engineering education.
He completed his B.Tech degree and subsequently also earned an MBA. His educational background was followed by his decision to pursue a career in public service.
After clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, he joined the Indian Police Service in 2003 and was allocated the Odisha cadre.
Although Kerala was his home state, he spent most of his professional career serving Odisha Police.
More Than Two Decades in Odisha Police
Ahamed built a career spanning more than 23 years in the Indian Police Service.
During his long tenure, he handled several important assignments and developed expertise in areas involving crime investigation, cybercrime and Crime Branch operations.
His career progression eventually brought him to one of the Odisha Police’s key investigative positions — heading the Crime Branch and Cyber Crime wing at the Inspector General level.
His colleagues remembered him for his commitment to duty and professional approach to policing.
Served as Odisha Crime Branch and Cyber Crime IG
In July 2023, Ahamed took charge as Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch and Cyber Crime in Odisha.
The post placed him in charge of areas requiring specialised investigative capabilities, particularly as cybercrime continued to emerge as an increasingly complex challenge for law-enforcement agencies.
He continued in this assignment until his death.
His work in cybercrime investigation and complex Crime Branch operations earned him recognition among colleagues and within the policing establishment.
Kerala Deputation: Served as Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police Chief
Despite belonging to the Odisha cadre, Ahamed also had a significant professional association with his home state of Kerala.
He served in Kerala on deputation, during which he handled several important policing responsibilities.
Among his notable assignments was serving as the District Police Chief of Thiruvananthapuram Rural.
The deputation brought him back to Kerala for a period of his career and allowed him to serve in the state where he was born and raised.
Thiruvananthapuram also remained closely associated with him, and it was there that he spent his final days and received treatment.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Pays Tribute
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over Ahamed’s death and remembered his contribution to the state police.
Majhi described his passing as untimely and said his dedicated service to Odisha and the Odisha Police would always be remembered.
The Chief Minister also conveyed his condolences to Ahamed’s family, colleagues and loved ones.
Odisha Police Mourns the Loss
The death of the senior IPS officer was also deeply felt within the Odisha Police.
A senior IPS officer said Ahamed had succumbed to cancer after a prolonged and courageous battle.
His colleagues remembered him as an officer who remained committed to his responsibilities despite the challenges associated with his illness.
His professional legacy, particularly his work in crime investigation and cybercrime, is expected to remain an important part of his service record.
Mortal Remains to Be Taken to Kerala Residence and Native Village
Following his death in Thiruvananthapuram, Ahamed’s mortal remains were scheduled to be shifted to his residence at Vattiyoorkavu by 11 am on Monday.
The remains were subsequently to be taken to his native village of Ochira in Kollam on Tuesday for the final rites.
The arrangements reflect his enduring connection with Kerala despite spending the majority of his IPS career in the Odisha cadre.
A Career That Connected Odisha and Kerala
Shefeen Ahamed’s career was marked by a distinctive connection between Odisha and Kerala.
A Kerala-born officer who entered the IPS in 2003 and was allocated the Odisha cadre, he spent more than two decades serving in Odisha Police and eventually became the IG overseeing Crime Branch and Cyber Crime.
At the same time, his deputation to Kerala brought him back to his home state, where he served in important policing roles, including as Thiruvananthapuram Rural District Police Chief.
His death at just 50 brings to an end a career that spanned more than two decades of public service and included assignments in some of the most demanding areas of modern policing.
The officer’s colleagues and political leaders have remembered him for his dedication, integrity and professionalism, while mourning the loss of a senior police officer who passed away far too young.
