Hemant Karkare, the Indian PoliceService (IPS) and the chief of the anti-terror squad, who led the investigation into the 2008 Malegaon blast, died during 26/11 Mumbai Terror attacks, is in headlines once again. Following contentious comments made by Congress politician Vijay Wadettiwar on the killing of Maharashtra police officer Hemant Karkare during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the Congress party on Sunday.The sharp criticism has come after claims made by the opposition leader in the Maharashtra legislative assembly that an officer connected to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) assassinated Karkare instead of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Numerous state officials widely denounced Wadettiwar for his unsupported assertion. Previous reports claimed that Wadettiwar indicated the Karkare shooting was done at the RSSs command however, the claim vehemently denied by the BJP.What was 2008 Malegaon blast caseA bomb that was planted in a motorcylce went off Malegaon on September 29, 2008. The blast claimed six lives and injuring 101. Hemant Karkare who was handed over the case cracked the same with a months time and after the investigation found that motorcycle that was used in the blast was registered on the name of Pragya Thakur.The state agency detained Thakur, Shyam Bhawarlal Sahu and Shiv Narayan Gopal Singh Kalsangra on October 24, 2008. Lt. Col. (retd.) Prasad Purohit, one of the accused, was allegedly responsible for providing the RDX for the explosion and for helping to organize Abhinav Bharat with the intention to propagate a separate Hindu Rashtra with its own constitution, according to the ATS. He was arrested in November 5, 2008 by ATS.When Pragya Thakur claimed that Karkare died as she cursed himPargya Thakur, who was one of the suspects of the 2008 Malegaon Terror attack, also said that Karkare died because she cursed him once as the way Karkare treated her during her incarceration.Bombay High Court rejected the probe into Hemant Karkares deathAfter PIL was filed by one of the Radhakant Yadav in 2010, a former MLA of Bihar approached the court asking for the special investigation in the killing of Hemant Karkare. Yadav claimed that Karkare was not killed by Pakistan terrorist Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail. However, the Bombay High court in 2018 refused to order probe in the death of former ATS chief and disposed the petition.Hemant Karkare came into light during 26/11 Mumbai AttacksKarkare gained international recognition for his role during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He was leading the operation against the terrorists who had attacked various locations in Mumbai, including the iconic Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Tragically, Karkare lost his life in the line of duty during these attacks.All about profession career of IPS Hemant KarkareHemant Karkare was an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer known for his exemplary service and dedication to duty. He served in the Maharashtra cadre of the IPS and held various important positions throughout his career. Karkare began his career in the Indian Police Service in 1982. He served in various capacities in Maharashtra Police, gaining experience and expertise in law enforcement. Being part of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is one of the most notable phases of Karkares career was his tenure as the chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Under his leadership, the ATS played a crucial role in investigating and combating terrorism in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.The IPS was known for his role in investigating several high-profile cases, including the 2008 Malegaon blasts, which targeted a Muslim-majority town in Maharashtra. His investigations into this case were particularly significant as they uncovered links to extremist Hindutva groups, challenging prevailing narratives about terrorism in India.Hemant Karkares courage and sacrifice during the 26/11 attacks made him a symbol of Indias fight against terrorism. He is remembered as a brave and dedicated officer who put his duty above his personal safety. His legacy continues to inspire law enforcement officers and citizens alike. Karkare was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, Indias highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exemplary courage and sacrifice during the 26/11 attacks.Hemant Karkares career exemplifies the dedication and bravery exhibited by many Indian Police Service officers in the face of grave threats to national security. He remains a revered figure in Indian law enforcement history.
