Bhubaneswar: An illustrious career of 37 years came to a close with the retirement of Super Cop BK Sharma on superannuation pension. A finest IPS officer with national and international exposure as well as standing today hung up his boots from government service.
Coming from a celebrated family of Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Mr.Sharma was known since his childhood as an outstanding student with high degree of proficiency in History and English Literature. A Gold Medalist First class First in Graduation, Mr.Sharma completed his post graduation from the prestigious Hindu College of Delhi University before joining IPS in 1986.
In a career spanning over 37 years, Mr.Sharma held charge of four important districts of Odisha, including the Capital City of Bhubaneswar.
A long stint of 7 years in prestigious Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) shaped him as an ace investigator with specialization in economics offenses, cyber crime, narcotic investigation and his passionate subject of wildlife enforcement.
The tenure also took him to different parts of the world to collaborate with foreign police forces and attend various seminars and meetings, including Interpol sessions in Lyon, France.
Upon his return to the State in 2006, Mr.Sharma headed Crime Branch for Seven long years and took it to great heights of professional competence. His dynamism resulted in expansion and growth of Economic Offence Wing, Special Task Force and Cyber Crime Division. Most sensational cases which shook the conscience of the State and attracted huge media attention were investigated in Crime Branch and successfully prosecuted.
The crowning glory in the career of Mr.Sharma is the establishment and strengthening of the first Police Commissionerate in the twin city of Bhubaneswar Cuttack.
As the Police Commissioner of Four years he built the institution from scratch and established such systems and processes that it could earn the credibility of the citizens. The impressive building, which has become a tourist attraction now, of the Police Commissionerate stands testimony to the competence and determination of Mr.Sharma to see that the new institution acquires an identity and visibility which will be difficult to miss.
He was there as the DGP and Head of the Police Force of the State for a short period. As they say, length doesn’t determine the levels of achievements, provided one has the dedication and competence to build.
Mr.Sharma built a system of feedback mechanism in the Police Stations, deftly handled law and order situations in mining belts, conducted State-wide raids against Dadan trafficking and successfully brought down fatality rate of accidents through strict enforcement measures.
Many in the State Police remember the dynamism and promptitude that he had brought about in his otherwise short tenure.
After 20 months as Director Printing and Stationery when Mr.Sharma handed over charge on 31 October, high encomiums were paid to his competence level in the farewell function, while every employee wanted a personal photo with him to cherish the memory of having been his colleague. Such was the charm and the magic of the man.
Many who know him vouch for his human character and compassion. His attitude towards the poor and the needy was one of empathy. Many get mesmerized with his eloquence and extempore delivery on critical issues.
He surely had his weaknesses and shortcomings, like every individual has. But on a day that he retires, people were unanimous in their opinion that a good human being and an effective officer has left the arena of public service. Surely he shall be missed and remembered.
Future awaits to see him in a new role and avatar as a dynamic officer like him can never rest in peace and shall surely dedicate his energies and experience in more constructive and meaningful activities ahead, feel insiders in Directorate of Police.
