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| Chaitra Teresa John, IPS |
Chaitra Teresa John is a name that resonates with determination, courage, and resilience in the Indian Police Service (IPS). A 2015-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, she has made headlines for her bold actions, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to law enforcement. From her early days in Kozhikode to her historic role as the first woman to head Kerala’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Chaitra’s journey is an inspiring tale of grit and service. This detailed biography explores Chaitra Teresa John’s life, her educational background, her illustrious career, her personal life, and the controversies that have shaped her public image as of February 21, 2025.
Early Life and Family: A Legacy of Service
Chaitra Teresa John was born on June 3, 1991, in East Hill, Kozhikode, Kerala, into a family of accomplished professionals. Her father, Dr. John Joseph, is a 1983-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer who served as Chief Commissioner at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNL Port) in Mumbai and later as a Special Secretary in Delhi, contributing to the Central Excise and Tax Department’s budget team. Known for busting gold smuggling syndicates in Malabar during his tenure with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), he set a high bar for integrity and bravery—qualities Chaitra would inherit.
Her mother, Dr. Mary Abraham, was a respected veterinarian who retired as Joint Director of Kerala’s Animal Husbandry Department. Chaitra’s only sibling, Dr. George Allen John, pursued medicine and completed his MS in Orthopaedics at Thrissur Medical College. Raised in a Christian household with South Indian roots, Chaitra’s early life was shaped by a blend of academic rigor and a strong sense of duty, instilled by her parents’ service-oriented careers.
Education: From Sociology to Civil Services
Chaitra’s academic journey reflects her intellectual versatility. She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kozhikode, where her ambition to join the civil services took root. After excelling in her early education, she pursued a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Hyderabad, honing her understanding of societal dynamics—a skill that later informed her policing approach.
Her dream of becoming an IPS officer drove her to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of India’s toughest competitive exams. In 2012, she cleared the exam on her first attempt, securing a position in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS). However, her sights were set on the IPS, prompting her to reattempt the exam. In 2015, after five attempts and three interviews, Chaitra achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 111, earning her entry into the IPS with her preferred Kerala cadre. Her persistence paid off, marking the start of an extraordinary career.
IPS Training: A Stellar Beginning
Chaitra underwent her IPS training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, where she emerged as a standout probationer. Overcoming initial doubts about the physical demands of training, she excelled with the support of her trainers and batchmates. Her efforts were recognized with two prestigious awards: the Best All-Round Lady Probationer and the Best Lady Outdoor Probationer for the 2015 batch. These accolades, presented by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the 68RR convocation parade on October 28, 2016, placed her among an elite group of Kerala IPS officers who had previously shone at SVPNPA, including K.J. Joseph (1969), Jacob Punnoose (1975), and Jacob Thomas (1985).
Chaitra Teresa John IPS Career: A Path of Impact
Assigned to the Kerala cadre in December 2016, Chaitra’s career has been defined by bold decisions and a commitment to upholding law and order, often in the face of political pressure.
Early Postings: Building a Foundation
Chaitra began her career as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Thalassery, Kerala, after initial training in Wayanad. Her tenure in Kottayam as ASP until July 2017 included a stint with independent charge of a police station, sharpening her skills in grassroots policing. Known for her impartiality, she quickly gained a reputation as a formidable officer.
The CPM Office Raid Controversy (2019)
Chaitra’s career took a dramatic turn in January 2019, when, as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Law and Order in Thiruvananthapuram (on temporary charge), she led a raid on the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) district committee office. Acting on intelligence that Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) workers, who had pelted stones at the Medical College police station, were hiding there, she conducted the late-night operation on January 24. The raid, lasting just over three minutes, yielded no arrests but sparked a political firestorm.
The CPM accused her of tarnishing the party’s image, and despite a probe by ADGP Manoj Abraham clearing her of any procedural violations, she was divested of her DCP role and reassigned to the Women’s Cell. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who holds the Home portfolio, justified an inquiry, citing the sanctity of political party offices in a democracy. The incident underscored Chaitra’s willingness to act decisively, cementing her image as a threat to political vested interests.
First Woman Head of Kerala ATS (2019)
In July 2019, Chaitra made history as the first woman appointed Superintendent of Police (Operations) for Kerala’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), a decision hailed by State Police Chief Loknath Behera as a bold move. Leading operations against Maoist activities in Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad, she coordinated with the Thunderbolt team to counter insurgents fleeing neighboring states. Her leadership culminated in a controversial encounter on October 28, 2019, in Manjikandi, Palakkad, where four Maoists were killed. While she defended the operation as a necessary duty, allegations of it being staged drew criticism, though she remained focused on her mission.
District Police Chief Roles
Chaitra’s career progressed with significant postings, including District Police Chief of Alappuzha (assumed November 19, 2022), where she tackled local law enforcement challenges. By October 2024, she was appointed District Police Chief of Kollam City, inspiring UPSC aspirants at events like The Hindu Civil Services Meet with her journey and insights on preparation.
Personal Life: A Private Sphere
Chaitra Teresa John maintains a low profile regarding her personal life. As of 2025, she is unmarried and has no children, focusing intently on her career. Her family’s support—rooted in her parents’ and brother’s professional achievements—remains a pillar of strength. Her decision to stay single reflects her dedication to service, a trait common among officers balancing high-stakes roles.
Controversies: Navigating Public Scrutiny
Chaitra’s career has not been without turbulence, with key incidents drawing both praise and criticism.
CPM Office Raid Fallout
The 2019 raid polarized opinions. Supporters lauded her courage, while the CPM’s backlash and her subsequent transfer highlighted the challenges of policing in a politically charged environment. The episode remains a defining controversy, testing her resilience.
Maoist Encounter Debate
The Palakkad encounter fueled allegations of extrajudicial action, with critics questioning its legitimacy. Chaitra’s response—that her team was “just doing our job”—reflected her stoicism, though it did little to quell dissent, underscoring the complexities of anti-terror operations.
Achievements: A Legacy of Excellence
Chaitra’s accolades include:
- Best All-Round Lady Probationer and Best Lady Outdoor Probationer at SVPNPA (2016).
- Historic appointment as Kerala’s first female ATS head (2019).
- Recognition for her law enforcement efforts, from grassroots policing to counter-terrorism.
Her AIR 111 in the 2015 UPSC exam and transition from IRTS to IPS further highlight her determination, inspiring countless aspirants.
Chaitra Teresa John in 2025: Current Role and Influence
As of February 21, 2025, Chaitra serves as District Police Chief of Kollam City, a role she has held since late 2024. Her leadership continues to shape Kerala’s policing landscape, blending operational rigor with community engagement. Her speeches at aspirant meets emphasize preparation, current affairs, and balancing personal growth with professional goals, reinforcing her status as a mentor.
Legacy: A Trailblazer for Women in Policing
Chaitra Teresa John’s IPS biography is a narrative of breaking barriers. As a woman in a male-dominated field, her journey—from a sociology graduate to a decorated officer—exemplifies perseverance. Her fearless approach, seen in the CPM raid and ATS tenure, challenges patriarchal norms, making her a role model for women in law enforcement and UPSC aspirants alike.
Conclusion: A Resilient Force
Chaitra Teresa John’s life and career embody the essence of public service—courage, integrity, and adaptability. From her Kozhikode roots to her current role in Kollam, she has navigated challenges with a steady hand, earning both accolades and scrutiny. As of 2025, her story remains a powerful testament to what determination can achieve, inspiring future generations to serve with purpose and pride.