Who Is IPS Papiya Sultana? Meet West Bengal’s First Muslim Woman IPS Officer Amid Fresh Public Attention
Senior IPS officer Papiya Sultana, currently serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) of Paschim Medinipur district, has once again found herself at the centre of public and political discussion following the circulation of a viral video from the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The video, widely shared across social media platforms, allegedly shows the officer remaining seated during the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the high-profile event held in Kolkata. The footage triggered intense online debate, with several users questioning her conduct during the ceremony, while others cautioned against drawing conclusions based solely on short clips circulating online.
The incident has once again brought national attention to Papiya Sultana, a prominent police officer widely recognised as West Bengal’s first Muslim woman IPS officer. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a highly educated and trailblazing officer whose career has frequently intersected with politically sensitive assignments and public controversies.
Spotlight During Sandeshkhali Investigation
Papiya Sultana had earlier attracted nationwide attention in February 2024 when she became part of the investigative team constituted to examine allegations of atrocities against women in Sandeshkhali, one of West Bengal’s most politically charged controversies.
During interactions with complainants in the case, she reportedly sought documentary and medical evidence to support allegations made by victims. Her approach generated sharp political reactions and became a subject of public debate, particularly amid heightened tensions between the ruling and opposition parties in the state.
The Sandeshkhali episode significantly increased her public visibility and placed her among the most discussed police officers in West Bengal.
West Bengal’s First Muslim Woman IPS Officer
Papiya Sultana is regarded as the first Muslim woman from West Bengal to enter the Indian Police Service, a distinction that made her an inspiration for many aspiring civil servants and women from minority communities.
Unlike direct recruits through the UPSC Civil Services Examination, she rose to the IPS through promotion from the West Bengal Police Service (WBPS), reflecting a career built through years of service within the state police system.
She belongs to the 2015 IPS batch and currently serves as Superintendent of Police, Paschim Medinipur, one of the important districts in the state from a law-and-order and administrative perspective.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on July 5, 1980, in Bauria in Howrah district, Papiya Sultana grew up in an academically inclined middle-class family.
Her father, Arjahan Haldar, worked as an engineer, while her mother, Salema Jehan, served as a madrasa teacher. Family members and acquaintances have often credited her parents for encouraging her educational ambitions and professional aspirations from an early age.
Strong Academic Credentials
Papiya Sultana is also known for her impressive academic background, which distinguishes her from many of her contemporaries in policing.
Her educational qualifications reportedly include:
MBA
Master’s degree in Gender Development
LLB
LLM
Diplomas in Spanish and French languages
She has also pursued doctoral research in Women’s Studies at Kolkata’s Jadavpur University, highlighting her continued engagement with academic and social issues alongside her policing career.
Career Journey in West Bengal Police
Papiya Sultana began her law enforcement career after clearing the West Bengal Police Service examination in 2008 on her very first attempt.
She initially joined as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and steadily rose through the ranks because of her administrative work and policing experience.
Her induction into the Indian Police Service came later through promotion under the State Police Service quota, placing her in the 2015 IPS batch.
Over the years, she has handled several important assignments, including:
Superintendent of Police, Home Guard Organisation
Additional charge of Barrackpore 1st Battalion
Superintendent of Police, Paschim Medinipur
Her postings have often involved sensitive law-and-order responsibilities and operational policing assignments.
Personal Life and Inspiration
Papiya Sultana married software engineer Badrul Alam in 2006 and is a mother. In interviews and public interactions, she has often acknowledged pioneering IPS officer Kiran Bedi as one of her inspirations for joining the police service.
A Career Marked by Both Achievement and Controversy
From emerging as West Bengal’s first Muslim woman IPS officer to handling politically sensitive investigations, Papiya Sultana’s career has consistently attracted public attention.
Supporters describe her as a determined and academically accomplished officer who broke social barriers in policing, while critics have questioned her handling of certain high-profile cases and public conduct during sensitive events.
Whether viewed as a pioneering police officer or a controversial public figure, Papiya Sultana continues to remain one of the most discussed IPS officers in West Bengal’s administrative and political landscape.
