In a historic moment for India’s elite security forces, Inspector Adaso Kapesa has become the first woman officer to serve in the Special Protection Group (SPG), the unit tasked with safeguarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her presence during Modi’s recent UK visit drew widespread attention and admiration, symbolizing a breakthrough in gender representation within India’s top-tier security apparatus.
From Manipur to the SPG
Adaso Kapesa hails from Kaibi village in Senapati district of Manipur, a region known for its rugged terrain and limited resources. Despite the odds, she pursued her dream of serving the nation, beginning her career with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), where she was posted in the 55th Battalion at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
Her exceptional discipline and performance earned her a spot in the SPG after completing rigorous commando training in 2020. She officially joined the Prime Minister’s core security team in 2024.
Breaking Barriers in Elite Security
The SPG, formed in 1985 after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is India’s most prestigious security unit. It recruits personnel from various forces including the IPS, CRPF, CISF, BSF, and SSB. The selection process involves intense physical, mental, and tactical training, including martial arts, bomb disposal, and covert operations.
Kapesa’s induction marks a significant shift in the traditionally male-dominated SPG. Her role is not just symbolic—it’s operational, strategic, and vital to the Prime Minister’s safety.
Viral Moment of Pride
During PM Modi’s UK visit, a photo of Kapesa standing alert behind him in a black SPG suit went viral. Social media users hailed her as a symbol of “Nari Shakti” and national pride, especially among communities in Northeast India.
What Her Journey Represents
Kapesa’s rise from a remote village to the SPG is a testament to grit, excellence, and the evolving role of women in India’s security forces. Her story joins the ranks of other pioneering women like Veena Gupta, India’s first female bodyguard, and Kimberly Cheatle, former Director of the US Secret Service.
