Thiruvananthapuram, June 30, 2025 — Senior IPS officer Ravada A. Chandrashekhar, a 1991-batch officer of the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the new State Police Chief (SPC) of Kerala. He replaces Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who retired on June 30.
Chandrashekhar, originally from West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, is currently serving as the Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). He brings with him over 15 years of experience in intelligence and counter-insurgency operations. He is also scheduled to take over as Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat in New Delhi later this year.
Known for his discipline, integrity, and administrative skills, Chandrashekhar has held several key positions throughout his career. He began as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Thalassery, Kerala. His early tenure was marked by controversy during the Koothuparambu police firing, which led to his suspension. However, he returned to service with renewed commitment and rose through the ranks steadily.
Over the years, he served as:
Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram
Inspector General in the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB)
Officer on UN deputation
Senior Intelligence official handling Naxal operations and internal security at IB
Chandrashekhar’s roots lie in a farming family, and his father, Ravada Venkitaravu, dreamt of seeing his son join the civil services. Though Chandrashekhar initially wanted to become a doctor, he eventually pursued agricultural studies and later succeeded in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, joining the Indian Police Service in 1991.
He has received prestigious honors including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. Chandrashekhar is married to Sarita, and the couple has two sons — Karthik and Vasisht.
His name was among the top three shortlisted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the DGP post in Kerala. With the state government favoring seniority and integrity, his appointment was finalized in consultation with the UPSC.
Chandrashekhar is expected to bring a strong focus on internal security, intelligence-led policing, and technological upgrades in the force.
