In the contemporary world where Civil Servants are routinely treated as celebrities, often lauded or criticized in the media, and building their own personal brands, M Rajesh Chandra, IPS (2015 batch), stands apart for his sincere tenacity and self-effacing disposition. Hailing from Sangareddy and not having the luxury of being very well off or having many advantages, he was forced to leave a safe corporate career to chase the uncertain dream of public service. What makes his process worth writing about, however, is not merely the intent to migrate from zero background knowledge of UPSC exams to an outstanding policing career; it is also the spirit of fellowship. Whether it was dealing silver-lining with communal riots on the streets, doing an extensive planning of the high-tempo operational response for Hyderabad Central Zone, having a love for cinema, etc, Rajesh drew on sincerity, honesty and the friendships built through narrow lanes of RTC Colony. His voyage illustrates that success is not always about how much you invested in it going through coaching centre facilities or how often your name makes the headlines; it generally begins with some leap of faith and a little quiet reinforcement from all the people that hold your hand as you pass through those quite and narrow lanes of your life. In an heart-to-heart conversation with The Pioneer’s Deepika Pasham, he takes us through his formative days, his journey in the corporate world, his marriage and more insights on his inspirational journey.
No Fame, Just Work
These days, it is common for candidates from Telangana to be featured everywhere when they clear Civil Services. But during my time, no one knew that someone like me—from a middle-class family—had secured a rank. I was never in interviews or newspapers. Only one coaching centre that offered us a free study hall had my name and a small photo in its records. Honestly, even if someone had come looking, they wouldn’t have found me—I moved out of the city with my friends that very night to celebrate. That pattern continues to the present too; I rarely conduct press meets. I simply keep working.
Complex Conflicts on the Ground
My first posting was in Bhadrachalam. I feel it was both the best and the toughest, filled with complex investigations. One unforgettable case was a communal riot in Nirmal. These incidents often start with minor reasons but erupt into days of violence. When the SP assigned me the task, I stayed there for 20 days, sleeping in or around the police station. We had only one phone to report incidents. I faced real-life situations—stone pelting, fire mishaps, continuous violence. After two days in one place, if we moved, something else would flare up—like a bike getting burnt. These cases are hard to investigate because you have to trace what triggered everything days earlier.
Sangareddy: My Emotional Anchor
I was born and brought up in Sangareddy. I completed most of my studies there before pursuing engineering at NIT Warangal. With the emotional bond I developed in my childhood—and my father’s dream house there—all my siblings and I still meet in Sangareddy whenever we can. But due to my postings, I rarely get to visit. Now, I stay in Kamareddy with my family.
Many Roles Before IPS
I worked for two years as a Software Engineer at Accenture in Bengaluru from 2008 to 2010. While preparing for UPSC, I was selected as a Depot Manager for Telangana RTC and worked there for six months. I qualified for IRS in 2014 and got posted in Bengaluru, but I didn’t join, as I was selected for IPS in 2015. In between, I qualified for several bank exams—SBI, SBH, Allahabad Bank, IDBI Bank—as backups. I felt genuinely happy when I finally saw my name in the IRS list after failing in my earlier attempts. My third attempt got me IRS, and my fourth attempt got me IPS. Ironically, on the day I was to join IPS, I met with an accident and fractured my leg. I had to delay joining until the next year.
Posting That Tested My Resolve
I worked in the Central Zone of Hyderabad City Police. It was one of my most challenging and enriching experiences. Every political party—CPI, Congress, AAP—was active in my zone. I managed many agitations, did lathi charges, and was regularly summoned by seniors to explain the situations. At times, we managed over 1,500 bandobusts. That posting made me feel like a real cop.
A Gentle Father
My marriage was arranged in 2018. I am blessed with a baby boy. I’ve taken up the father’s role seriously, but I am not a strict parent. I feel sad when he cries about going to school, but we convince him gently. The little time I get to relax is always with him.
Void that can’t be filled
My father was strict and independent. He never depended on us, his children. Only my sister could talk to him freely—the rest of us were scared of him. He never visited any of our houses. But I inherited his love for friendships, his style, and his reading and writing habits. From childhood, I watched him read and write. He fell seriously ill and passed away in my hands in a corporate hospital. That moment is the saddest of my life. The void remains.
Coming home is my greatest comfort
Mine was an arranged marriage. My wife, Shravani, works in the Panchayat Raj Department. We are blessed with our son, Romith Chandra. That is my happiest moment. My wife manages most responsibilities as my schedule is hectic with conferences and investigations. Though the little one is my source of joy, now that he goes to school, our timings clash. He cries daily, and it hurts me.
Cinema: My Lifelong Obsession
I am a movie buff. This isn’t a recent hobby—it has always helped me think better, even during crime investigations. I don’t admire heroes or heroines; it’s the story that attracts me. Even during Civil Services preparation, we used to watch a movie the night before exams. I binge-watch web series. If not, I watch Gemini movies or other channels. My wife prefers the news—and I just ask her what’s happening (laughs). I believe IPS officers must have non-police friends to relax. Otherwise, it’s impossible to cope with the murders, rapes, and crimes we face daily.
My Liberal Leave Policy: Honesty Over Excuses
Whenever I take charge at a new posting, I conduct a meeting to explain my liberal leave policy—provided everyone is honest. If someone claims they have a disc problem, I ask for medical records and bills. But if someone simply says, “Sir, I’m going to Goa,” I approve it. Why lie about your own leave? Honesty earns respect. This approach has changed my teams. During festivals, there has to be mutual understanding—if an SI takes leave, the Inspector must stay back, and vice versa. I never delay punishments or rewards. Even when leaving a post, I ensure recognition and discipline are in order. Structure matters more than the person.
Case That Still Haunts Me
Policing involves four pillars: Anticipation, Prevention, Detection, and Investigation. If even one fails, guilt remains. One such case was a murder in Yadadri-Bhongir. A migrant man named Mesthri was killed, and the scene was staged to look like a bike accident. But I discovered it was murder. A blood-stained weapon had been washed in a nearby water body. The doctor confirmed a head injury. We held suspects—one of them was the killer—but there were no clear clues. The case is still open, and it weighs on me.
Glad Didn’t Become an IAS Officer
Looking at the responsibilities of IAS officers today, I genuinely wonder if I could have survived. IPS is more fulfilling for me—from solving crimes to delivering justice. I feel I have more independence. Every day brings a new challenge.
My NPA Dream: Inspiration from Childhood Travels
During our trips from Sangareddy to Mahbubnagar, we would see the National Police Academy building. That image inspired me. My parents always said that IAS and IPS officers were respected, and that thought stayed with me. I always knew IAS and IPS existed—but I didn’t know anything beyond that.
Friendships That Made Me an Officer
I can’t put into words how much my friends mean to me. After quitting my job in Bengaluru, I reached Hyderabad without a place to stay. At a tea stall in RTC Colony, a few strangers asked me why I looked lost. They helped me find a room, and that became my home. Most of my roommates later became Civil Servants. We shared study material, cooked rice, and bought curry from outside. I had blind faith in their underlined notes.
Cinema Dialogues That Guided My Studies
Initially, I attempted the exam with Public Administration and Anthropology but didn’t score well. I considered replacing Public Administration with Telugu Literature. When the exam pattern changed and I had to choose one subject, I picked Telugu Literature. Though my medium is English, my love for cinema was a big advantage. Ask me any dialogue—I’ll tell you which movie it’s from. That passion helped me stay focused.
Rapid Fire
Describe yourself: I’ve never felt I’m special—just an ordinary person
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite cuisine: Jonna Roti and Ladies’ Finger
Spiritual or religious? I pray, but nothing specific
Favorite lyricist: Sri Veturi Veenela Sitarama Shastry
