Hemant Karkare Former head of Mumbai's anti-terrorism squad, killed in 2006 Date of Birth: 12.12.1954 Country: India

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career before Police
3. Police Service
4. Intelligence Work
5. Investigations of Bomb Blasts
6. 26/11 Terrorist Attacks
7. Confrontation and Martyrdom
8. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Hemant Karkare, born on December 12, 1954, hailed from the Maharashtrian Karhade Brahmin caste. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur.

Career before Police

After graduation, Karkare worked at the National Productivity Council, the Government of India, and Hindustan Unilever Ltd., India's largest FMCG organization.

Police Service

In 1982, Karkare joined the police force. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Commissioner of Police (Administration) for Mumbai before being appointed Chief Officer of the Maharashtra State Anti-Terrorism Squad in January 2008.

Intelligence Work

Karkare spent seven years in Austria as an external intelligence operative for India. His honesty and dedication left a lasting impression on his colleagues. Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Julio Ribeiro described him as one of the finest police officers in Maharashtra, if not India.

Investigations of Bomb Blasts

Karkare played a pivotal role in investigating the serial blasts in Thane, Vashi, and Panvel. His probe into the Malegaon blast on September 29 led to the arrest of 11 suspects linked to radical Hindu groups, a move that drew criticism from the opposition (Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena) and some Hindu organizations.

26/11 Terrorist Attacks

On November 26, 2008, Karkare received a call about a terrorist attack at the CST railway station while dining at his Dadar residence. He rushed to the scene with his driver and bodyguards.

Confrontation and Martyrdom

Donning a bulletproof vest and helmet, Karkare inspected Platform No. 1, which was deserted. Informed of a terrorist assault on Cama Hospital, he met with Commissioner Ashok Kamte and Senior Inspector Salaskar at Azad Maidan Police Station.

In a fierce encounter with AK-47-wielding terrorists, Karkare and his team faced heavy fire and launched an operation from the rear entrance of the hospital. However, terrorists threw a grenade, injuring them.

Kamte suggested storming the terrorists from the main entrance while constables guarded the rear and commandos entered from the front. After clearing the hospital, officers got into a police jeep and received reports of terrorists fleeing in a red car.

Near the Rang Bhavan Co-operative Bank ATM, they encountered the terrorists. Kamte and Salaskar fired, hitting a terrorist (later identified as Kasab) in the hand and disarming him. As the terrorists seemed willing to surrender, one of them (Ibrahim Khan) opened fire, killing Karkare, Kamte, and Salaskar.

Legacy

Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, and Salaskar became martyrs in the fight against terrorism in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Over 100 people were killed and 300 injured in the attack. Karkare was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest gallantry award, on January 26, 2009.