Roopa Divakar Moudgil, popularly known as D. Roopa, is an esteemed officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 2000 batch, serving in the Karnataka cadre. Renowned for her fearless stance agai...
Roopa Divakar Moudgil, popularly known as D. Roopa, is an esteemed officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 2000 batch, serving in the Karnataka cadre. Renowned for her fearless stance against corruption and unwavering dedication to law enforcement, she has consistently upheld justice with integrity. Born on July 12, 1975, in Davanagere, Karnataka, Roopa has emerged as a role model in Indian policing, challenging conventions and standing firm on ethical policing.
Early Life and Education
Roopa hails from a well-educated family; her father, J. S. Diwakar, was a retired engineer, while her mother, Hemavathi, worked in the postal department. She has a younger sister, Rohini Divakar, who is a Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Academically brilliant, Roopa pursued her graduation from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, earning a gold medal. She further obtained a Master’s degree in Psychology from Bangalore University, demonstrating her deep understanding of human behavior—an asset in her policing career. Beyond her intellectual pursuits, Roopa is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and a proficient Hindustani classical singer, showcasing her artistic talents alongside her law enforcement career.
Career Achievements
After securing the 43rd rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Roopa underwent rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad, where she ranked 5th in her batch. Her early postings saw her serve as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Karnataka’s Dharwad, Gadag, Bidar, and Yadgir districts, where she gained a reputation for proactive policing.
One of her most notable actions came in 2004, when she arrested the then Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Uma Bharti, on court orders in connection with an old rioting case—an event that underscored her commitment to the rule of law.
In 2013, she broke new ground by becoming India’s first female police officer to head a cybercrime division, tackling emerging threats in the digital space. Later, as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons in Karnataka, she exposed serious irregularities, revealing how AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala was receiving VIP treatment in Bengaluru’s central prison. Her hard-hitting report led to widespread discussions on corruption within the prison system, cementing her reputation as a whistleblower.
Awards and Recognition
Roopa’s dedication to justice has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2016. Her fearless approach to handling cases, particularly those involving powerful figures, has been widely applauded.
Personal Life and Interests
In 2003, Roopa married Munish Moudgil, an IAS officer and an IIT Bombay alumnus. The couple has two children. Despite her demanding career, she continues to nurture her artistic passions. In 2018, she released a music video on International Women’s Day, using her voice to empower women across India.
