Actor Sandeepa Virk Recalls Her Time in Tihar Jail: 'It Was a Living Hell'
New Delhi:
In a recent interview, actor and influencer Sandeepa Virk opened up about her harrowing experience inside Tihar Jail, where she spent four months after being arrested in a money laundering case. Virk's story is a powerful testament to the harsh realities of the Indian prison system and the impact it can have on individuals and their families.
A Place of No Mercy
Virk described Tihar as a place she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy. She shared, "When I first went there, I felt like I didn't deserve to be there. I thought, maybe I made some mistakes in a past life, knowingly or unknowingly. It was a constant feeling of despair."
Emotional and Physical Strain
The emotional toll of her incarceration was immense. Virk said, "I used to pray for death to take me away. The worst feeling is when you see your parents coming to meet you in jail. I even apologized to them for having to come there because of me. But they stood by me because your own people know who you are."
She also detailed the physical and mental strain she faced. "Inside Tihar, it's like living with 500 people. It's like domestic politics. My health deteriorated badly. I couldn't even stand without support because of stress. Even today, when I think about it, I cry - why me?"
Daily Routine and Living Conditions
Virk described the daily routine and living conditions in the jail. "The washrooms are filthy. You sleep on the floor. They open the barracks at 6 am, shut them at 12, open again at 3 pm, and close by 6 pm. The food is terrible - the same dal, same sabzi, four rotis and rice every day. You don't feel like eating anything."
Interactions and Stigma
She also spoke about the interactions with other inmates and the stigma she felt after her arrest became public. "Some policewomen are kind, others vent their frustration on inmates. When my news came out, people would say, she has done fraud. I would think, those accused of murder are being treated kindly, and I am being called a fraud for something I didn't do."
Money and Influence Inside Jail
When asked about allegations of money being used inside jail to get work done, Virk responded, "In jail, nothing happens without money. I don't want to say much, but if you have money, your work gets done. If you don't, you just sit there."
Helping Others After Release
After being released on bail, Virk extended help to two women she had met in jail who lacked legal support. "One woman had been inside for four months for allegedly stealing Rs 3,000. Her mother was blind, and her father was bedridden. I had promised her I would help her get out - and I did. There was another woman who got trapped because of her husband. I helped her get an interim bail about a month after I came out."
Reflecting on the Industry's Reaction
Virk also reflected on the reaction from the film industry. "They unfollowed me, it doesn't matter. Earlier too, some big producers would say, 'Sandeepa, I can make you this or that.' I used to reply - the One who made you will make me too. No human can make someone. At best, they can help."
A Call for Understanding and Support
Virk's story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of the justice system. It invites us to consider the impact of our actions on others and the importance of empathy and support for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances. As we reflect on her experience, let's also consider the broader implications for the Indian prison system and the need for reform and understanding.
