Papiya Sultana is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the West Bengal cadre, widely recognized as the first Muslim woman from West Bengal to join the IPS.
Currently serving as Superintendent of Police of Paschim Medinipur district, she has built a career spanning field policing, women’s welfare, and academic research, while also drawing national attention for her role in politically sensitive investigations.
Profile
| Full Name | Papiya Sultana |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1980 |
| Age | 45 |
| Birthplace | Bauria, Howrah district, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | IPS Officer (Superintendent of Police) |
| Parents | Arjahan Haldar (father, engineer), Salema Jehan (mother, madrasa teacher) |
| Spouse | Badrul Alam (married 2006, software engineer) |
Early Life
Papiya Sultana was born on July 5, 1980, in Bauria, in the Howrah district of West Bengal, to a middle-class, academically inclined family.
Her father, Arjahan Haldar, worked as an engineer at the Uluberia Block Development Office, and her mother, Salema Jehan, taught at Khashkhamar High Madrasah.
Education
Sultana completed a Bachelor of Science degree before earning a Master of Business Administration.
She also holds a Master’s degree in Gender Development, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Laws, along with diplomas in Spanish and French.
After clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET), she began doctoral research in Women’s Studies at Jadavpur University.
Career
Sultana cleared the West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) examination in 2008 on her first attempt, becoming, according to multiple reports, the first Muslim woman in West Bengal to achieve this. She was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police in March 2008, with early postings including the Falta Zone in South 24 Parganas.
Within less than a year of joining, she gained national attention for rescuing 123 girls from trafficking-related and exploitative situations, ensuring their rehabilitation and counseling.
She went on to serve in roles including Additional Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commandant in State Armed Police battalions, and traffic policing duties in several districts.
Sultana was later promoted from the West Bengal Police Service to the Indian Police Service (IPS) as part of the 2015 IPS batch, a State Police Service promotee. Her subsequent postings have included Superintendent of Police for the Home Guard Organisation, additional charge of the Barrackpore 1st Battalion, and Superintendent of Police for Paschim Medinipur, a politically significant district.
In February 2024, she gained national attention as part of the team investigating allegations of atrocities against women in Sandeshkhali, during which her handling of evidentiary requirements for complainants drew public criticism and political debate.
She again drew national attention in 2026 after a viral video from a state swearing-in ceremony showed her remaining seated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival, sparking online debate about her conduct.
Personal Life
Sultana married software engineer Badrul Alam in 2006 and is a mother. She has cited pioneering Indian police officer Kiran Bedi as a personal inspiration for her career in law enforcement.
Net Worth
No verified net worth figure is currently available for Papiya Sultana, consistent with her role as a salaried government civil servant.
Works / Contributions
- Rescue and rehabilitation of 123 trafficking victims — early career operation
- Superintendent of Police, Paschim Medinipur — current posting
- Doctoral research, Women’s Studies, Jadavpur University
Conclusion
From a modest background in Howrah district to becoming West Bengal’s first Muslim woman IPS officer, Papiya Sultana has built a career defined by academic distinction and high-profile, sometimes contested, police leadership, making her one of the state’s most closely watched law enforcement figures.