The State Director General of Police and IPS officer Anurag Sharma is set to step down from office on November 12. Having spent over 30 years in service (including united AP), Sharma says, “Out of my 35 years of experience, around 30 years have been in this state, so I have a strong affinity with the state. I have worked in various capacities as DCP, IG, Police Commissioner, DGP, etc., so this state and the city occupy a special place in my heart. It’s been a very satisfying experience. But I feel 60 is too young to retire (laughs).”
Family and future plans
Sharma regrets not spending enough time with his family. “But that’s how our life has been, even when all is well, we tend to be apprehensive about what might happen (smiles). Thankfully, my family has always empathised with and respected my uncertain work schedules,” says Sharma, who reveals that he is a “chilled out, open and approachable person.” He adds, “I listen to classical and semi-classical music. I also enjoy live music; it is my stress buster.”
And what kind of a father is he?
“I give my children freedom to do whatever they want, and I am looking forward to spending more time with the family once I retire.
Also, I am always open to giving back and serving society in any field,” says Sharma, who has started taking up the cause of child abuse extensively.
“I have taken up the initiative to ring in awareness among the public. People are not vocal about it and several cases are going undetected. I believe citizen empowerment on such matters should be strengthened,” concludes the IPS officer.
Looking back
When asked how he has evolved as a person, Sharma, who has received bouquets and brickbats, professionally and personally over the years, says, “When I joined the service 35 years ago, to make a call out of station, I needed to book a trunk call. Now you have mobile phones and can reach people within no time. Technology has changed and so have people. Times are evolving. My personality too has changed a lot. People come to us with several problems. Then, when we investigate the case, we often come to know what they said is only half true. So we stop believing in them and start suspecting everyone. That’s why people’s perception towards the police is negative. But in hindsight, I say we are more open and practical. When I was a trainee SP, I learnt about policing from K.S. Vyas, who was the SP Vijayawada (Urban), and I follow his lessons even today.”
‘Winning is a team effort’
For someone who comes across as a practical and progressive thinker, what were the areas where he made a difference? “I was the DCP (Charminar) during the Babri riots in 1992 it was a challenging time.”
Since then, we were able to successfully combat communal violence. I was the IG in Warangal when naxalism was at its peak, but we were able to counter it efficiently. As a Police Commissioner and Director General, communal violence and the extremists’ movements have been dealt with successfully. Also, I started the Southern sector of CISF,” shares Sharma, who credits his success to team work.
“The camaraderie among our staff has been fantastic. I would not be able to achieve these results without their support. Winning is always a team effort,” he explains.
