Hyderabad, May 2025 – In a nation where the roles of women in leadership and law enforcement are still emerging, Shikha Goel, IPS officer of the 1994 Telangana cadre, has carved an extraordinary legacy of professionalism, innovation, and public trust. Currently serving as the Director General of Police, CID Telangana, as well as Director of the Telangana Women Safety Wing, Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGSCSB), and the Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Goel continues to lead from the front. From combating cybercrime to spearheading women’s safety initiatives, she has consistently broken barriers and set benchmarks that are transforming policing in India.
A Scholar-Turned-Enforcer
Born on March 7, 1969, in Delhi, Shikha Goel was a meritorious student who studied at Miranda House, Delhi University, earning her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and M.Phil in Botany. Her academic discipline honed her analytical skills, which later became a defining strength in her police career. She is also an alumna of the Indian School of Business with a specialization in Public Policy and is a certified civil and commercial mediator from ADR ODR International, UK.
A Trailblazing Journey in Uniform
After graduating from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Goel began her IPS journey in Jammu, later serving in key roles such as:
Additional Director General of Police, CID, Telangana
- Advertisement -ADGP, Women Safety, overseeing SHE Teams and Bharosa Centres
Director, Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)
Additional Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad
Inspector General, CISF NS HQ, New Delhi
DCP, North Zone, Hyderabad
Superintendent of Police, various districts in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Across every posting, Goel introduced reforms and strategies that emphasized victim support, systemic transparency, and digital transformation.
Cybercrime Warrior
As a top official at the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau, Goel led several awareness campaigns on cyber fraud, digital hygiene, and online safety. Under her leadership, Hyderabad’s cybercrime policing saw major advancements, including real-time response systems and public workshops aimed at educating citizens about phishing, online blackmail, and financial scams.
She has frequently spoken at national conferences and represented Telangana Police in global cybersecurity panels. Her work has helped secure the digital landscape for millions.
Anti-Corruption Crusader
During her tenure as Director General, ACB Telangana, Shikha Goel launched an aggressive push against entrenched corruption. From cracking high-profile bribery cases to digitizing complaint redressal systems, her strategy focused on accountability and access. The department under her leadership implemented AI-based tracking, anonymous whistleblower hotlines, and inter-departmental coordination to root out graft across state departments.
Notably, several public servants were caught red-handed during surprise checks initiated by Goel’s team, sending a strong message against administrative malpractice.
Championing Women’s Safety
Perhaps Shikha Goel’s most visible legacy lies in her efforts to improve women’s safety in Telangana. She was the architect of the acclaimed SHE Teams, an undercover force launched in 2014 to protect women in public spaces. Operating across Telangana, these teams have prevented thousands of harassment cases and improved public confidence in policing.
Equally transformative has been the Bharosa Centres, one-stop crisis centers offering medical, legal, and psychological support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Today, these centers are replicated across multiple states as a model for victim-centric justice.
Her efforts also include school and college outreach, self-defense workshops, and gender-sensitization training for police officers.
Awards and Recognition
Shikha Goel’s excellence in service has earned her numerous accolades, including:
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service
Police Medal for Meritorious Service
Alakh Sinha Trophy for Investigation
Commendation from the Director of the National Police Academy
She has also been featured in panels by NASSCOM, FICCI, and Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) for her contributions to policing in the digital age.
A Role Model for Future Leaders
In a country where only about 10% of police personnel are women, Shikha Goel’s journey is not just impressive—it is inspirational. Her leadership style, rooted in empathy, intelligence, and service, provides a roadmap for future officers, particularly young women, looking to create impact through public service.
Her recent involvement in cyber safety sessions, such as her keynote at the IAS Officers’ Wives Association (IASOWA) event on digital threats like phishing and deepfakes, showcases her continued commitment to public education and digital resilience.
Shikha Goel IPS stands today not only as a top cop but as a symbol of reform, resilience, and responsible leadership—qualities India’s law enforcement sorely needs in a rapidly changing world.
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