The model prisoner who thrives on yoga

Mohammed Afroz is probably one of the most well-behaved prisoners the police has dealt with; a criminal who troubles the police not by hiding information but by giving it.

Afroz has many times shocked everyone in court by his desire to confess, his consistent refusal to engage a lawyer, to apply for bail. His composure is disconcerting. He looks the judge, prosecutor, defense counsel and reporters straight in the eye with a smile. No signs of worry, fear or anxiety, Afroz on Wednesday looked on the court proceedings as if the case were about a stranger.

Arthur Road Jail, where Afroz has been lodged, has yoga and meditation sessions for an hour, almost every morning. These sessions usually begin at around 9 am and are conducted by trained inmates. Jail authorities could not confirm if Afroz had attended any of these recently conducted courses but said he participated in the morning yoga and meditation sessions as most inmates do.