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D. Roopa Moudgil, IPS |
D. Roopa Moudgil, a 2000-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Karnataka cadre, is one of India’s most recognized and formidable law enforcement figures. Known for her fearless approach, integrity, and commitment to justice, she has earned the nickname “Lady Singham” for her bold actions against corruption and crime. Over her 24-year career, she has been transferred over 40 times, a testament to her uncompromising stance against powerful interests.
Early Life and Education
D. Roopa Moudgil was born in Davanagere, Karnataka, into a middle-class family with a strong emphasis on education and discipline. Her father, J.S. Divakara, was a retired government servant, and her mother, Hemavathi, was a homemaker. Roopa’s upbringing instilled in her a sense of responsibility and determination, qualities that would define her career.
An academic achiever, Roopa excelled in her studies. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Kuvempu University, where she was a gold medalist for her outstanding academic performance. Her passion for public service led her to pursue the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. In 2000, she cleared the highly competitive exam, securing an All India Rank that earned her entry into the prestigious Indian Police Service.
Career in the Indian Police Service
D. Roopa joined the IPS in 2000 and was assigned to the Karnataka cadre. Her career has been marked by bold decisions, high-profile investigations, and a reputation for standing up to political and bureaucratic pressures. Over the years, she has served in various capacities, including Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Key Career Highlights
- Arrest of Uma Bharti: One of Roopa’s most notable achievements was her arrest of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti in 2004 during a non-bailable warrant case related to a 1994 riot. This bold move earned her national recognition and established her as a fearless officer.
- Exposing Corruption in Prisons: In 2017, as DIG of Prisons, Roopa exposed irregularities in Bengaluru’s Central Prison, alleging that AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala was receiving preferential treatment. Her report detailed the provision of special facilities to Sasikala, sparking a major controversy and leading to her transfer. This incident highlighted her commitment to transparency.
- Crackdowns on Crime: Roopa has been instrumental in tackling organized crime, illegal sand mining, and other criminal activities across Karnataka. Her tenure as SP in various districts saw significant reductions in crime rates due to her proactive policing strategies.
- Multiple Transfers: Roopa’s career is notable for her frequent transfers—over 40 in 20 years. These transfers are often attributed to her bold actions against influential figures, including politicians and bureaucrats, which have sometimes put her at odds with the establishment.
Awards and Recognition
Roopa has been honored with the President’s Police Medal twice for her exemplary service and courage. Her reputation as a tough, no-nonsense officer has made her a role model for aspiring civil servants, particularly women, across India.
Personal Life
D. Roopa is married to Munish Moudgil, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Karnataka cadre. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter. Despite her demanding career, Roopa has maintained a balance between her professional and personal responsibilities. She is known for her disciplined lifestyle and her passion for fitness, often sharing glimpses of her personal life on social media.
Roopa is also a trained Carnatic vocalist and has an interest in cultural activities. In 2023, she garnered attention for a photoshoot during the Navratri festival, where she was portrayed as a symbol of strength and resilience, holding a sword and embodying the spirit of a warrior. Fashion designer Bhargavi described her as an inspiration for women who face challenges with courage.
Recent News and Controversies
D. Roopa Moudgil has often been in the spotlight due to her bold actions and public disputes. In recent years, she has been involved in several high-profile controversies that have kept her in the news.
1. Allegations of Planting Files (2025)
In March 2025, Roopa was transferred from her position as Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the Internal Security Division (ISD) to the Managing Director of Karnataka Silk Marketing Board Limited following accusations by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vartika Katiyar. Katiyar, a 2010-batch IPS officer, alleged that Roopa orchestrated the unauthorized entry of two police personnel into her office on September 6, 2024, to “plant” confidential documents related to other departments. The personnel reportedly took photographs of the documents and shared them via WhatsApp. Katiyar filed a complaint with Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, holding Roopa responsible for potential future incidents.
Roopa dismissed these allegations as “baseless” and pointed out the lack of CCTV footage to substantiate Katiyar’s claims, despite the presence of multiple cameras at the department. She also referenced Katiyar’s history of making “false allegations,” citing a 2010 incident where Katiyar had accused an officer of sexual harassment without sufficient evidence. Roopa’s transfer was seen by some as a response to the escalating tensions within the Karnataka police force.
2. Defamation Case with IAS Officer Rohini Sindhuri (2023-2025)
One of Roopa’s most publicized controversies is her ongoing feud with IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri. The conflict began in 2023 when Roopa shared personal pictures of Sindhuri on social media, accusing her of corruption and unethical conduct. Sindhuri filed a defamation case against Roopa under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, seeking Rs 1 crore in damages for “character assassination.” The Supreme Court intervened, ordering Roopa to delete the controversial posts and refrain from making public statements about the matter.
In December 2024, Roopa filed a counter-defamation case against Sindhuri, alleging that Sindhuri’s public statements caused significant damage to her reputation and mental distress to her family. The case is ongoing, with a Bengaluru court directing telecom providers to preserve call detail records related to the dispute. The public spat has drawn significant attention, with both officers being temporarily removed from their posts in 2023 due to the controversy.
3. Public Persona and Media Presence
Roopa’s outspoken nature and active social media presence have made her a polarizing figure. While her supporters admire her courage, critics argue that her public disputes, particularly with Sindhuri, have sometimes overshadowed her professional achievements. Her photoshoot for Navratri in 2023 and her vocal defense of her actions in controversies have kept her in the public eye, making her a frequent subject of news and social media discussions.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About D. Roopa Moudgil
- Gold Medalist in College: Roopa was a gold medalist at Kuvempu University, showcasing her academic excellence before joining the IPS.
- Arrested a Chief Minister: She gained national fame for arresting former Madhya Pradesh CM Uma Bharti in 2004.
- Frequent Transfers: Roopa has been transferred over 40 times in her 24-year career, often due to her bold actions against powerful figures.
- President’s Police Medal: She has received the prestigious President’s Police Medal twice for her exemplary service.
- Carnatic Music Enthusiast: Roopa is a trained Carnatic vocalist, reflecting her interest in cultural arts.
- Navratri Photoshoot: In 2023, she participated in a Navratri-themed photoshoot, symbolizing strength and resilience.
- Married to an IAS Officer: Her husband, Munish Moudgil, is an IAS officer, making them a power couple in Karnataka’s bureaucracy.
- Exposed Prison Irregularities: Her 2017 report on V.K. Sasikala’s preferential treatment in prison highlighted her commitment to transparency.
- Social Media Presence: Roopa actively uses social media to share her views, often sparking debates and controversies.
- Role Model for Women: She is seen as an inspiration for women in law enforcement, encouraging them to stand firm against challenges.
FAQs About D. Roopa Moudgil
1. Who is D. Roopa Moudgil?
D. Roopa Moudgil is a 2000-batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, known for her fearless approach to policing and anti-corruption efforts.
D. Roopa Moudgil is a 2000-batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, known for her fearless approach to policing and anti-corruption efforts.
2. Why is D. Roopa famous?
She gained fame for arresting former Madhya Pradesh CM Uma Bharti and exposing irregularities in Bengaluru’s Central Prison involving V.K. Sasikala.
She gained fame for arresting former Madhya Pradesh CM Uma Bharti and exposing irregularities in Bengaluru’s Central Prison involving V.K. Sasikala.
3. How many times has D. Roopa been transferred?
She has been transferred over 40 times in her 24-year career, often due to her confrontations with influential figures.
She has been transferred over 40 times in her 24-year career, often due to her confrontations with influential figures.
4. What are the recent controversies involving D. Roopa?
In 2025, she was accused by DIG Vartika Katiyar of planting files in her office. She is also involved in a defamation case with IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri.
In 2025, she was accused by DIG Vartika Katiyar of planting files in her office. She is also involved in a defamation case with IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri.
5. What awards has D. Roopa received?
She has been awarded the President’s Police Medal twice for her exemplary service.
She has been awarded the President’s Police Medal twice for her exemplary service.
6. Is D. Roopa married?
Yes, she is married to Munish Moudgil, an IAS officer, and they have two children.
Yes, she is married to Munish Moudgil, an IAS officer, and they have two children.
7. What is D. Roopa’s educational background?
She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Kuvempu University, where she was a gold medalist.
She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Kuvempu University, where she was a gold medalist.
8. Why was D. Roopa transferred in 2025?
She was transferred from the Internal Security Division to the Karnataka Silk Marketing Board after allegations of planting files in a subordinate’s office.
She was transferred from the Internal Security Division to the Karnataka Silk Marketing Board after allegations of planting files in a subordinate’s office.
9. What is the defamation case with Rohini Sindhuri about?
Roopa and Sindhuri have been engaged in a public feud since 2023, with mutual defamation cases over social media posts and allegations of misconduct.
Roopa and Sindhuri have been engaged in a public feud since 2023, with mutual defamation cases over social media posts and allegations of misconduct.
10. How does D. Roopa balance her personal and professional life?
Despite her demanding career, she maintains a disciplined lifestyle, pursues interests like Carnatic music, and spends time with her family.
Despite her demanding career, she maintains a disciplined lifestyle, pursues interests like Carnatic music, and spends time with her family.
Conclusion
D. Roopa Moudgil remains a towering figure in Indian law enforcement, admired for her courage and commitment to justice. Her career, marked by significant achievements and frequent controversies, reflects her unwavering dedication to her principles. From arresting a chief minister to exposing corruption, Roopa’s journey is one of resilience and determination. While her recent controversies, including the file-planting allegations and her feud with Rohini Sindhuri, have kept her in the news, they also underscore the challenges faced by upright officers in a complex bureaucratic system. As she continues her service, D. Roopa Moudgil remains an inspiration for those who aspire to uphold justice against all odds.
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