Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Biography
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Biography – Ravada A. Chandrasekhar hails from West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. His career in policing began in Kerala, where he was first posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Thalassery. Over the years, he served in several crucial roles, such as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Thrissur and Kochi Ranges and Commissioner of Police for Thiruvananthapuram.
On June 30, 2025, during a virtual cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Kerala government appointed DGP Ravada A. Chandrasekhar as the new State Police Chief (SPC).
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Early Life and Education
Ravada A. Chandrasekhar’s appointment as Kerala’s DGP in June 2025 was a milestone in his distinguished career. A senior IPS officer from the 1991 batch, his journey reflects dedication and persistence. This profile outlines his early life, academic background, professional journey, challenges, and accomplishments.
Born in Andhra Pradesh’s Godavari region, Chandrasekhar came from a humble background. His father, Ravada Venkita Rao, was a farmer who aspired to see his son in civil service. Initially, Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips aimed to pursue medicine, but circumstances led him to study agriculture instead. He went on to complete his postgraduate studies. Later, he set his sights on civil services and successfully cleared the IPS examination in 1991, marking the beginning of his police service.
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Professional Career
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips’s career took off in Kerala, starting with his role as ASP in Thalassery. He encountered a serious test early on when, just days into his posting, a protest by DYFI members in Koothuparamba on November 25, 1994, turned violent. The demonstration, opposing a state education policy, escalated under his watch, and police opened fire, leading to five deaths and several injuries. The incident sparked political and legal controversies. Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips and others were charged, including with murder, but in 2012, the Kerala High Court acquitted him, ruling that prosecution was not lawfully sanctioned.
Koothuparamba Incident
Despite political sensitivities surrounding the Koothuparamba firing where five DYFI activists were killed and six others injured the state government went ahead with appointing Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips, who had been exonerated in court. He was selected over other contenders, including DGPs Nitin Agrawal, Yogesh Gupta, and others. The appointment stirred political debate, especially among CPI(M) circles, but leaders like P. Jayarajan and M.V. Govindan defended the decision, citing the court’s acquittal.
Climbing through the Ranks
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips continued to serve diligently across various districts as Superintendent of Police, including in Wayanad, Malappuram, Ernakulam Rural, and Palakkad. Known for his composed demeanor and impartiality, he earned respect from colleagues and the public alike. He later held DIG positions in Thrissur and Kochi and served as Police Commissioner in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram. His leadership was particularly noted during tense situations.
Central Deputation and IB Experience
In 2008, Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips moved to central deputation, joining the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Over 15 years, he managed key responsibilities related to national security, eventually rising to the post of Special Director. He was also considered for the top role of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat but opted to return to Kerala instead, signaling his strong connection to his home cadre and state.
Appointment as DGP
With the retirement of then DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb, Kerala required a new police chief. The UPSC recommended three names: Nitin Agrawal, Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips, and Yogesh Gupta. Though second on the list, Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips was selected by the state cabinet. His elevation to the post, as Kerala’s 41st DGP, was based on merit, though it reignited debates over the Koothuparamba episode. Nonetheless, the CPI(M) leadership stood by the government’s decision, emphasizing his proven credentials and the court’s clearance.
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Religious
There is no official or verified information about Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips’s religious beliefs. Although many from his region are of Hindu background, he has kept his personal and religious life private, choosing instead to focus on his professional responsibilities.
Controversies
The Koothuparamba firing incident remains the most significant controversy in his career. As a newcomer in Kerala, he was thrust into a volatile situation just days after his arrival from Hyderabad. The event brought nearly two decades of legal scrutiny, with a 1997 judicial inquiry deeming the firing unjustified. He was eventually cleared by the Kerala High Court in 2012 due to procedural lapses in obtaining prosecution sanctions.
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Career Achievements
Throughout his service, Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips earned a reputation for integrity and effectiveness. As SP in multiple districts, he ensured law and order. His work as DIG in Kochi and Thrissur, as well as Commissioner of Police in Thiruvananthapuram, was commendable. His tenure in the IB gave him deep exposure to security matters at the national level. He also participated in a UN deputation and later improved police data systems as Inspector General at the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB).
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Family and Personal Life
No publicly available or confirmed information exists regarding Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips’s wife or children. Like many senior officers, particularly those with backgrounds in intelligence, he has kept his personal life private. His public persona is focused solely on professional contributions.
Leadership Style and Personality
Colleagues describe Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips as composed, diligent, and principled. He listens carefully, considers diverse viewpoints, and makes thoughtful decisions. From a modest rural background, he climbed to the highest police post in Kerala. His journey encourages aspiring civil servants, and his return from a high-profile central post to serve his state underscores his dedication.
Present Role and Future Outlook
As Kerala’s new DGP, Chandrasekhar is expected to tackle crime, public unrest, and complex political scenarios. Given his experience, particularly in intelligence and public order, he is well-positioned to lead. Though his mandatory tenure is two years, he is set to retire in one—potentially prompting an extension. His focus is on modernizing policing and enhancing public trust.
Public Response and Political Opinions
Public opinion on his appointment is split. Some critics cite his past involvement in Koothuparamba, while others, including political leaders from CPI(M), defend his selection on the grounds of merit and legal vindication. Despite political tensions, Chandrasekhar remains committed to his duties and aims to lead with transparency and integrity.
A Journey of Persistence
Ravada Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips’s life reflects perseverance. He overcame early setbacks, including legal trials, to rise steadily in service. From the son of a farmer in rural Andhra Pradesh to Kerala’s police chief, his path has been inspiring. Though trained in agriculture, he chose the civil services, passed the IPS exam, and went on to serve both the state and the nation with distinction.
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Children
There are no publicly available records or credible sources confirming whether Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips has children.
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips Net Worth
Ravada Chandrasekhar Ips’s net worth remains undisclosed, as is typical for senior civil servants. Officers are required to declare assets to the government under service conduct rules, but these declarations are not publicly accessible unless voluntarily shared.