Ravada Chandrasekhar assumes charge as Kerala police chief, ex-cop crashes press meet

Thiruvananthapuram: Ravada A Chandrasekhar formally took charge as the new State Police Chief of Kerala on Tuesday, succeeding Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who retired on June 30. Chandrasekhar’s tenure will run until July 1, 2027.

His first day in office, however, was marked by dramatic scenes at the press conference when a man claiming to be a former police officer from the DIG office in Kannur disrupted proceedings and levelled allegations against the police force.

“I had submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister. I speak from the pain of wearing the khaki for 30 years. Please respond... this is the suffering I endured for three decades, sir,” the man shouted, holding up some photos before being escorted out by the police.

He had entered police headquarters posing as a journalist attending the press conference. Authorities are now probing how he managed to gain access.

The man’s unanticipated appearance before the State Police Chief is being viewed as a security breach. ADGPs H Venkatesh and S Sreejith, who were present alongside Chandrasekhar, assured him that his complaint would be addressed.

The man later identified himself to the media as Basheer V P, a native of Kannur. He claimed he used a police ID to enter the premises and is currently working with a Gulf-based online media outlet. A former Sub-Inspector at the Kannur DIG office, Basheer said his complaint pertained to workplace harassment. His last posting was at the Kannur airport, and he retired in 2023.

Earlier in the day, Chandrasekhar reached police headquarters at 7 am, where ADGP H Venkatesh handed over charge. He laid a wreath at the police memorial and accepted a ceremonial salute from the force. He is scheduled to attend a zone-level police meeting later in the day, in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Speaking to the media, Chandrasekhar said, “Kerala Police is known for being courteous and people-friendly. We will build on this by enhancing our soft skills and ensuring that anyone can walk into a police station and get justice. We will also strengthen efforts to protect the public from cybercrime.”

The police chief stated that the ongoing anti-drug campaign in the state would be intensified and that awareness programmes would be strengthened. Very strong action would be taken against those involved in drug-related offences, especially peddlers and others, he told reporters. He noted that drug abuse is a nationwide problem and called for a collective effort to address it. Speaking on crimes against women, Chandrasekhar described the issue as serious and assured that strong action would be taken after examining the cases. Any crime against women is a grave matter, and swift, firm action would be taken against those responsible, he said.

A 1991-batch IPS officer currently serving as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, Chandrasekhar is on central deputation. He was chosen over Nitin Agarwal, who topped the official list of probables. His appointment was formalised through an order issued by Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak on behalf of the Governor, shortly after Monday’s cabinet meeting.

Hailing from Andhra Pradesh’s Godavari region, Chandrasekhar began his career in Kerala as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Thalassery. He later served as Superintendent of Police in Wayanad, Malappuram, Ernakulam Rural, and Palakkad districts, and went on to hold key posts including DIG of the Thrissur and Kochi ranges, and Commissioner of Police in Thiruvananthapuram. He was on central deputation from 2008 onwards.