Nagpur Sub-Inspector Shivali Ulmale Takes Charge of Police Station on International Women's Day
In a powerful symbolic gesture marking International Women's Day, Sub-inspector Shivali Ulmale was entrusted with the leadership of Kapil Nagar police station in Nagpur for an entire Sunday. The daughter of a farmer from Wani in Yavatmal district, Shivali's temporary command was orchestrated by senior inspector Satish Ade to highlight the growing presence and formidable capabilities of women within the Maharashtra police force.
From Farmer's Daughter to Police Leader: A Journey of Dedication
Shivali Ulmale, who holds a science degree, joined the Nagpur City Police in 2025, motivated by her father Anil's dream of seeing her wear the police uniform. Her 24-hour tenure as station in-charge was not merely ceremonial but involved significant operational responsibilities. Under the guidance of zonal DCP Sandeep Pakhale and senior inspector Ade, Shivali personally handed over 25 recovered stolen and missing mobile phones to their rightful owners, with the majority being women, after completing all necessary legal formalities.
"It felt wonderful to lead the station and be respected as a woman officer," Shivali expressed, her voice resonating with pride. She was particularly exhilarated by overseeing a drug seizure under Commissioner Ravinder Singal's "Operation Thunder" mission, which resulted in the confiscation of 3 grams of MD narcotics and the arrest of two accused. She promptly called her father to share this achievement, describing the day as "deeply fulfilling — a proud milestone for me and my family."
Breaking Stereotypes and Championing Gender Equality
Shivali used the platform to challenge prevailing stereotypes about women in uniform. "Every woman in uniform is as capable as anyone else. We may appear physically frail, but our mental strength is immense. My gender will never stop me from delivering justice equally to women and men," she asserted. She emphasized that Women's Day should be about fostering mutual respect between genders, rather than focusing solely on women.
Beyond law enforcement duties, Shivali also focused on improving the station's environment. Collaborating with senior inspector Ade, she initiated the addition of decorative ornamental plants, bringing greenery and a refreshed aesthetic to the newly constructed Kapil Nagar Police Station building.
Recognizing Women's Contributions at All Levels
The Women's Day initiative extended beyond Shivali's leadership. Approximately 25 women home guards, who were on duty for examinations and bandobast, were honored with gifts, reinforcing the police station's commitment to supporting women in uniform at every level. This gesture underscored the collective effort to acknowledge and uplift women's roles within the force.
Looking forward, Shivali vowed to serve with unwavering dedication and help dispel any misconceptions that women officers are less effective. She drew inspiration from senior women officers in the Nagpur city police, including:
- Zonal DCP Rashmitha Rao
- DCP Economic Offences Wing Mahek Swami
- ACP Shalini Sharma
- Senior inspector Anamika Mirzapure (heading Dhantoli Police Station)
- Subhangi Deshmukh (crime branch)
- Lalita Todase (anti-human trafficking unit)
This symbolic leadership role for Shivali Ulmale not only celebrated International Women's Day but also showcased the evolving landscape of the Maharashtra police, where women officers are increasingly taking on significant responsibilities and breaking barriers with competence and pride.
