Hyderabad: Trainee IPS officer arrested for sexual harassment of co-trainee
Source Entity
TOI CITY DESK
A 33-year-old trainee IPS officer, M Uday Krishna Reddy, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody in Hyderabad. He faces serious charges including rape, attempted murder, and stalking following allegations of sexual assault by a fellow trainee.
Serious Allegations Rock National Police Academy
In a deeply concerning development, a 33-year-old trainee Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, identified as M Uday Krishna Reddy, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by a local court in Hyderabad. The arrest follows grave allegations of sexual assault, rape, and attempted murder brought forward by a fellow trainee at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). The case has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement training ecosystem, raising critical questions about internal conduct and the safety of trainees within the premier institution.
The Nature of the Charges
The legal proceedings against Reddy are extensive, encompassing charges of rape, sexual assault, attempt to murder, stalking, and criminal intimidation. According to reports, the complainant stated that the harassment began on June 23. The scope of these charges indicates a prolonged period of alleged misconduct, which reportedly involved not only physical violence but also a systematic pattern of stalking, abusive messaging, and blackmail attempts, culminating in the severe allegations currently being investigated by a special police team.
Professional Background and Context
The accused, M Uday Krishna Reddy, had a unique professional trajectory, having served as a constable with the Andhra Pradesh Police before resigning in 2019 to pursue a career as an IPS officer. His success in cracking the UPSC examination in 2024 and his subsequent entry into the service in 2025 had previously been highlighted as a success story of perseverance. The revelation that an individual who had successfully navigated the rigorous selection process is now facing such serious criminal charges underscores the complexity of personnel vetting and the importance of behavioral monitoring even after selection.
Institutional Implications for the SVPNPA
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy is the premier training ground for India's police leadership. The fact that such incidents allegedly occurred within or connected to this environment poses significant reputational and operational challenges. It highlights an urgent need for the institution to re-evaluate its internal reporting mechanisms, ethics training, and the support systems available to trainees. When those tasked with upholding the law are accused of violating its most fundamental tenets, the institutional integrity of the police force is tested.
The Investigative Process
Following the registration of a case on July 18, Hyderabad police initiated a thorough investigation. The arrest, carried out by a special team, marks a critical pivot in the case as the judicial process takes over. The transition from administrative oversight at the academy to judicial custody indicates the gravity with which the local authorities are treating the allegations. As the case moves forward, the focus will likely remain on the forensic evidence collected and the testimony provided by the complainant regarding the timeline starting June 23.
Looking Ahead
This incident is expected to trigger a broader discourse on the culture within elite training institutions. The legal outcome of this case will not only determine the fate of the accused but will also serve as a benchmark for how law enforcement agencies address internal sexual misconduct. Moving forward, stakeholders in the justice system will be watching closely to see how the judiciary balances the rights of the accused with the necessity of ensuring accountability for those who occupy positions of public trust.