IPS Chitharanjan Sriramoju’s Journey of Justice, Art, and Transformation
In the quiet, often overlooked landscapes of Asifabad, a transformation is unfolding—one that isn’t just measured by crime statistics, but by the number of books read and the smiles of children empowered. At the heart of this change is Chitharanjan Sriramoju, an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 2022 batch, whose life story serves as a profound blueprint for what it means to serve with both a “steel frame” resolve and a compassionate soul.
The Foundations of a Seeker
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Chitharanjan’s inclination toward justice was perhaps inevitable, given that his father served as a judge. However, while the courtroom dealt with the letter of the law, young Chitharanjan was drawn to the spirit of the protector. Even as a child, he harbored a singular dream: to wear the khaki uniform. For him, the police force wasn’t about power; it was about the proximity to the people and the immediate ability to help those in distress.
His path to the IPS was marked by intellectual rigor and patience. After completing an MBA, he entered the Civil Services, initially joining the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 2017. For five years, he served the nation’s treasury, but the childhood call of the uniform never faded. In 2022, his dedication bore fruit when he secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 155 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Choosing Anthropology as his optional subject was a reflection of his nature—he is a “deep seeker” who wants to understand the evolution of humanity, the intricacies of culture, and the roots of social behavior.
The “Zero Filter” Officer
In a world of guarded bureaucracy, Chitharanjan is a zero filter officer. He speaks with a transparency that is refreshing and inspiring. This honesty isn’t just a communication style; it’s a philosophy. Whether he is conversing with a high-ranking official or a local villager, his heart is transparent and compassionate. Fluent in six languages, he bridges the gap between the state and the citizen, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.
Chitharanjan Sriramoju believes that “if you eliminate the root cause of the problem, the problem will have to perish.” This philosophy led him to a unique focus on plantation and environmental restoration.
From a Police Station to a Sanctuary of Learning
An inspiring chapter of his tenure in Asifabad is his work in education. Seeing a vacant, dilapidated police station, Chitharanjan didn’t see a ghost of the past; he saw a laboratory for the future. He spearheaded the conversion of this space into a 24/7 local library and learning center for children.
By turning such a place into a sanctuary of knowledge, he has redefined the relationship between the police and the youth. This center is more than just a room full of books; it is a message to every child in the district that their dreams are valid and supported. Not stopping at one, he is already in the process of establishing a second library, ensuring that the light of education reaches the farthest corners of his jurisdiction.
The Iron Fist Against Injustice
Under Chitharanjan leadership, his team successfully dismantled a major syndicate, seizing 1.4 crore worth of Ganja and booking 85 cases.
His bravery is rooted in a simple observation: “Many are busy these days, and very few react to injustice around them.” His message to the public is clear and challenging: If you see injustice, act on it. He believes that the country’s improvement is not the sole responsibility of those in uniform, but a collective duty of every citizen who chooses not to look away.
The Artist and the Fossil Restorer
Beyond the demanding hours of an IPS officer, Chitharanjan finds solace in the quietude of art. Painting and sketching are his “me time,” a way to process the complexities of his day. Even more fascinating is his hobby of restoring fossils. This interest in paleontology and art reveals a man who values the past, respects the slow passage of time, and finds beauty in the broken. It is this same patience he applies to his work—carefully restoring the social fabric of the communities he serves.
A Life of Continuous Learning
Chitharanjan Sriramoju remains a humble student of life. He views every day as a “learning phase,” an opportunity to refine his soul and his service. From the boardrooms of an MBA to the tax offices of the IRS, and finally to the dusty roads and mountains of Asifabad as an IPS officer, his journey is a testament to the fact that true success is not a rank, but the depth of the impact you leave behind.
He stands today as a beacon for aspiring civil servants—a reminder that one can be a formidable law enforcer while remaining a thoughtful, art-loving, and deeply empathetic human being. In Chitharanjan Sriramoju, the country finds an officer who doesn’t just work for the government; he works for the soul of India.
