a criminal feels he can commit a crime without
getting caught, his confidence increases to repeat
the offence with impunity. Seeing the macabre
nature of this crime, these men had to be caught
in the shortest possible time.
As a team, we were great in complementing
each other, and using the core strengths of each
member. All officers worked with a singular
aim—nabbing the culprits as quickly as possible.
Much information had to be collated, processed,
and turned into actionable points.Did you feel that your hard work had paid
off after the Supreme Court upheld the
death sentence of the convicted men?
Yes! The months before the verdict had become
nail-biting as the victim’s parents were getting
impatient and the Supreme Court was hearing
the case details threadbare on a daily basis.
The Court gave that verdict after scrutinising
submissions from both sides; it was a culmination
of our team’s diligence for the previous four-and-
a-half years, during which we had to pass many
tests. We all felt that it was a huge success.Tell us about a case that changed you as
a person.
My initial stint in Delhi as a trainee police officer
in Central District as head of PS Kamla Market
was quite eventful. While patrolling, I had
a chance encounter with a victim of trafficking.
I rescued her and another girl that day. The
incident was an eye-opener, and I could sense
that my team was reluctant to assist me for
reasons best known to them. Nevertheless, my
DCP supported me, and went on to rescue many
trafficked victims. I discovered the underbelly
of organised crime, which networked smoothlyacross various channels to make money by
exploiting little girls and young women. As
a rookie, these cases had a cataclysmic effect on
me, personally and professionally.You won the 2019 McCain Award for
Courage and Leadership in solving
humanitarian and societal issues. What
was the learning from that moment?
I felt nothing short of pride, being the first Indian
police officer to get such an accolade for my
service to the country. I attended the Sedona
Forum organised by the McCain Institute of
International Leadership of the Arizona State
University, and interacted with many senators
and officers. During my exchanges, I was able to
create a positive image of police officers while
I represented my country.What’s an important life lesson you have
learned from your profession?
Discipline and hard work can move mountains,
and if used in tandem, are capable of beating
lazy talent.How did it feel to see the web series
Delhi Crime inspired by your work?
It brought out the issues faced by police officers
and their dedication in solving crimes. I had just
one expectation from the series—that the public’s
negative perception is modified. Shefali Shah has
been my favourite since Hasratein and Satya.
I am honoured that Richie Mehta (director) chose
her to play the character inspired by me. She
portrayed the nuances convincingly.SHOOTING
SHARP
How do you like to
relax and have fun?
z Spend evenings
with my family
z Long walks or
drives with my
husband
z Nature photography
and paintingDo you enjoy films?
I love watching films.
Among my favourites
are Sarfarosh,
Andhadhun, Kahaani,
Vertical Limit, Queen,
Dil Chahta Hai, Bunty
Aur Babli, and One
Fine DayTell us one fun
thing about Chhaya
that no one knows.
I want to watch every
film first day first
show, before the
reviewsWhat’s your
favourite street
food?
Gol gappe and papdi
chaat from Delhi’s
Bengali MarketThree things that
you can’t live
without.
z My husband and
daughter
z My cellphone and
purse
z My workWhat outfits do you
like wearing the
most?
Saris and salwar suitsGive us hashtags
that best describe
your life.
#lovemyfamily
#dedicatedtomyworkmitacrimewithout“DISCIPLINE AND HARD WORK
CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, AND IF
USED IN TANDEM, ARE CAPABLE
OF BEATING LAZY TALENT.”Sharma poses at the McCain Institute Of
International Leadership, Arizonaa criminalfeelshecancommita crime
gettingcaught,hisconfidenceincreasestorepeat
theoffencewithimpunity.Seeingthemacabre
nature of this crime, these men had to be caught
in the shortest possible time.
As a team, we were great in complementing
each other, and using the core strengths of each
member. All officers worked with a singular
aim—nabbing the culprits as quickly as possible.
Much information had to be collated, processed,
and turned into actionable points.
Did you feel that your hard work had paid
off after the Supreme Court upheld the
death sentence of the convicted men?
Yes! The months before the verdict had become
nail-biting as the victim’s parents were getting
impatient and the Supreme Court was hearing
the case details threadbare on a daily basis.
The Court gave that verdict after scrutinising
submissions from both sides; it was a culmination
of our team’s diligence for the previous four-and-
a-half years, during which we had to pass many
tests. We all felt that it was a huge success.
Tell us about a case that changed you as
a person.
My initial stint in Delhi as a trainee police officer
in Central District as head of PS Kamla Market
was quite eventful. While patrolling, I had
a chance encounter with a victim of trafficking.
I rescued her and another girl that day. The
incident was an eye-opener, and I could sense
that my team was reluctant to assist me for
reasons best known to them. Nevertheless, my
DCP supported me, and went on to rescue many
trafficked victims. I discovered the underbelly
of organised crime, which networked smoothly
across various channels to make money by
exploiting little girls and young women. As
a rookie, these cases had a cataclysmic effect on
me, personally and professionally.You won the 2019 McCain Award for
Courage and Leadership in solving
humanitarian and societal issues. What
was the learning from that moment?
I felt nothing short of pride, being the first Indian
police officer to get such an accolade for my
service to the country. I attended the Sedona
Forum organised by the McCain Institute of
International Leadership of the Arizona State
University, and interacted with many senators
and officers. During my exchanges, I was able to
create a positive image of police officers while
I represented my country.What’s an important life lesson you have
learned from your profession?
Discipline and hard work can move mountains,
and if used in tandem, are capable of beating
lazy talent.How did it feel to see the web series
Delhi Crime inspired by your work?
It brought out the issues faced by police officers
and their dedication in solving crimes. I had just
one expectation from the series—that the public’s
negative perception is modified. Shefali Shah has
been my favourite since Hasratein and Satya.
I am honoured that Richie Mehta (director) chose
her to play the character inspired by me. She
portrayed the nuances convincingly.SHOOTING
SHARP
How do you like to
relax and have fun?
z Spend evenings
with my family
z Long walks or
drives with my
husband
z Nature photography
and paintingDo you enjoy films?
I love watching films.
Among my favourites
are Sarfarosh,
Andhadhun, Kahaani,
Vertical Limit, Queen,
Dil Chahta Hai, Bunty
Aur Babli, and One
Fine DayTell us one fun
thing about Chhaya
that no one knows.
I want to watch every
film first day first
show, before the
reviewsWhat’s your
favourite street
food?
Gol gappe and papdi
chaat from Delhi’s
Bengali MarketThree things that
you can’t live
without.
z My husband and
daughter
z My cellphone and
purse
z My workWhat outfits do you
like wearing the
most?
Saris and salwar suitsGive us hashtags
that best describe
your life.
#lovemyfamily
#dedicatedtomyworkmitacrimewithout“DISCIPLINE AND HARD WORK
CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, AND IF
USED IN TANDEM, ARE CAPABLE
OF BEATING LAZY TALENT.”Sharma poses at the McCain Institute Of
International Leadership, Arizona