Delhi Police SHO To Take Legal Action Against Delhi Crime Series Director

The Netflix series Delhi Crime which is based on the terrifying gang rape of Nirbhaya that shook the nation, is earning honest and positive reviews for its hard-hitting depiction. However, the Delhi Police SHO, Anil Sharma isn’t impressed by his character’s depiction in the series. He is upset with his derogatory portrayal as a dumb and slow officer. The Inspector who was commended by his seniors for his painstaking probe that put all the accused behind the bars, is planning to take legal action against the web series, director Richie Mehta and his team, a police officer stated on Monday.

Sharma, now a Station House Officer of Lodhi Colony Police Station, told IANS that his portrayal was fabricated by Mehta for commercial profit. He claimed that his depiction of someone who shrugs off responsibility on jurisdiction issue, is not trusted and often been scolded by then DCP, Chhaya Sharma, in the series, is totally wrong.

Mehta, however stated that there was "a disclaimer at the end of each Delhi Crime episode" and that the "names have been changed, and some of the events, dialogue and chronology have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes".

When asked if the series insulted Delhi Police, Mehta said: "It's a well-researched and painstakingly-made series, which will make you see the police in a new light. We tried to represent the roadblocks the cops have to deal with while working on a case, be it lack of funds or manpower." Sharma even revealed that he regularly met the victim when she was hospitalized and spent time with her.

"I lost my ailing father Harbans Lal Sharma and elder brother, Sanjay Sharma during the trial. My brother fell down in residence in my absence and later died of excess bleeding. I was bathing my brother's body for last rites and at the same time, I got a call from my senior officer about the case, I immediately skipped the last rites and reported to the officer without telling about the tragedy," he said.

"The entire series based on Nirbhaya gang rape investigation has insulted the Delhi Police, the senior officers of the Special Investigation Team and Inspector Anil Sharma. It was purely team work and Sharma was dealing with the twin responsibility being the investigating officer and SHO," a senior police officer told on the condition of anonymity.

Sharma, who watched the series, stated that even though Mehta has apologized to him, he feels that his character's portrayal in the series is unfair and the respect that he has gained from society and his family members has also been shattered.

He also said that the disclaimer was not sent to Delhi Police by the producer before telecasting it. "I am preparing a CD marking derogatory contents with its timing from the initial episode to the last. I am in touch with my advocate and am planning to take legal action including a defamation suit."


Image Source:- IMDb, youtube