Spread over more than 400 acres with nine functional prisons, Tihar is one of the largest and maximum security prisons in the country. Name the most notorious criminals or gang leaders, they have all been brought to this jail. From Lawrence Bishnoi to Tillu Tajpuria, the jail has to carry more than 20,000 inmates at a time. To control such a huge number of criminals and gangs, one needs an officer with remarkable leadership qualities and a fearing personality.
ASP in Delhi Police, Mr. Deepak Sharma, is one such officer. He was brought back to Tihar as Jailor for the execution of the defendants in the Nirbhaya case. The officer has been serving in the jail since then.
Apart from his commitment towards law enforcement, the officer is also passionate about fitness and body building. In a conversation with Indian Masterminds, he laid bare what fitness means to him and why it is a necessity.
SIMILARITY IN REEL AND REAL
Mr. Sharma said, “Anyone can judge you with your personality. Since I have to deal with criminals on a daily basis, being fit gives me an edge over them. They fear, or you can say, listen to me because of the personality I carry.”
In most of the movies, the cops are shown in a certain way. They have a good physique, are fit, and do not fear anyone. However, in reality, things are different. Fitness is still a challenge in police. Inspired by the cops in the movies, Mr. Sharma decided to work on his fitness. He said, “I thought there should be similarity in reel and real cops. Fitness is really important in our work. If we are fit and carry a certain look, then only the public will trust us with their safety.”
He started body-building only after his selection in police, as it is an expensive affair. When he had the money, he started giving time to and spending money on body-building. The officer is now so fit that even the jail inmates take tips from him.
MOTIVATING INMATES TOWARDS FITNESS
ASP Sharma is a firm believer in the power of second chance. As the jailor of Tihar, he has prioritized the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates. He has introduced many vocational training programs, educational initiatives, and psychological support services. He has also kept fitness as a priority and has introduced fitness and yoga sessions for the inmates in Tihar.
“Yoga, exercise and sports can change anyone’s life. What you can learn from them can’t be taught in any school. I believe that physical activity can be a path for redemption for the inmates,” he said.
BODY-BUILDING COMPETITION
He participated in a professional body building competition for the first time in the year 2014. Since then, he has won many titles, like Mr. Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Delhi, Mr. Haryana, and Mr. Steel Man of India (Silver Medal). In the process, he has become an inspiration for the youth who aspire to be in police.
The officer has also participated in many fitness reality shows. He was seen as a contender in ‘India’s Ultimate Warrior’ hosted by Vidyut Jamval. Apart from reality shows, Mr. Sharma has played characters in a few movies and can be seen alongside fitness influencer Sahil Khan in various videos.
As for his work as the Jailor of Tihar, Mr. Sharma has been awarded with the prestigious National Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
