Ravada Chandrasekhar to be appointed as new state police chief; decision made at cabinet meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been reported that the Kerala government has decided to appoint Ravada Chandrasekhar as the new state police chief. Ravada was the second name on the three-member shortlist prepared by UPSC. The decision was made during the cabinet meeting held this morning. Currently, he serves as a Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The shortlist was prepared after considering seniority, service records and the IB report.

The current state police chief, Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, will step down from the post this evening. Ravada, who is currently in Delhi, is expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram by evening. If the Centre grants approval, he may take a flight this afternoon. If not, he may assume charge tomorrow or the day after. Ravada Chandrasekhar's service tenure extends until the end of July 2026.

A 1991-batch officer, Ravada hails from West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. He brings 15 years of experience in the central intelligence agency to his new role as the state's police chief. His father, Ravada Venkita Rao, a farmer, had wished for his son to become a civil servant. However, Ravada Chandrasekhar aspired to become a doctor. He shifted to agricultural studies as he was not able to secure admission to an MBBS program. After completing his post-graduation, he turned to civil services and secured the IPS in the 1991 batch.

He began his career as an ASP in Thalassery. However, the beginning was challenging and he was suspended following the Koothuparamba firing incident. Later reinstated, Ravada earned recognition as the police chief in various districts. He also served as the Commissioner of Police in Thiruvananthapuram. At one point, he went on UN deputation and upon return, took charge as IG at the SCRB.