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The ATS believed it had cracked the September 29 Malegaon bomb blast case, and about a month ago arrested Hindu extremists in a breakthrough that shocked the nation and added a new twist to the entire discourse on terror and religion.
But as the probe unravelled the alleged plot and the role of some Hindu leaders, the case got caught in the politics of terror and the ATS was at the centre of charges that it was being used as a tool to target the Sangh Parivar amid allegations of illegal detention and torture by some of the 11 arrested for the blast.
The BJP, RSS and VHP leaders, among others from the Hindu nationalist brigade, accused the ATS of being on a witch-hunt, with some even demanding that ATS officers be subjected to a narco-analysis to establish their motives.
No less a leader than the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, L K Advani, had demanded a change in the ATS team and a judicial inquiry into the torture allegations made by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a key suspect in the Malegaon case.
The Shiv Sena too had come out in support of the suspects and on Wednesday had threatened in its mouthpiece Saamna that it would publish the names of some ATS officers and shame them as it said they had tortured the Malegaon suspects.
That Karkare was affected by this was apparent when we met at his office on Tuesday to get an update on the probe, less than 36 hours before he was killed. The Indian Express has decided to break the confidence of what was an off-the-record conversation in an attempt to highlight the anguish of the investigators over the currents in which the Malegaon probe was getting caught as well as the larger debate over the politics of terror.
"I don't know why this case has become so political," was one of Karkare's first comments. "The pressure is tremendous and I am wondering how to extricate it from all the politics."
Was the pressure telling on the investigation, what with someone who could be the next prime minister of the country questioning the credibility of the ATS?
"Of course," was the answer. "We are being very very careful. In fact, when we want to question a suspect and if he or she has any Hindutvawadi connections, we make sure once, twice, thrice, that we have enough reason and evidence to even question. Normally it is not like that. We are able to freely question anyone we suspect."
"In fact, immediately after the blast I had visited Malegaon along with the Deputy Chief Minister and other officials and witnessed the anger of the locals who shouted some slogans," Karkare said. "After that I told my men that we have to pursue this case very objectively and not start with assumptions that people of this community or that community could be responsible."
Originally from Madhya Pradesh, Karkare studied mechanical engineering in Nagpur and worked at the National Productivity Council and Hindustan Lever before making it to the IPS in 1982. Known to be an upright officer who served in the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) as well as the Indian mission in Vienna, Austria, as a counselor, Karkare did not hide his love for Mumbai or his discomfort with the predominantly political-bureaucratic culture of Delhi where he was posted.
During a stint in the Chandrapur forests near Nagpur in 1991 to fight Naxalites, he took an interest in driftwood, discovered artistic shapes in them and converted them into wooden sculptures, making about 150 of them over a two-year period. Talking to the media about sensitive cases such as Malegaon could prove to be a double-edged sword, he had said as we parted, adding that he would like us to meet informally once a month so that he could learn the ways of the media.
His last visuals as seen on TV showed him working with his men near the VT station, the target of one of the attacks, although it is perplexing at this point in time why such a senior officer ended up getting exposed to a brazen terrorist attack. Initially, he was shown wearing a shoddy helmet normally seen used by constables during riots. A little later, a policeman lowers a flimsy bulletproof vest over his shoulders, one that was obviously of little protection when those fatal shots were fired at him.
The previous evening, hours after our meeting, TV channels had ‘breaking news’ that he had received a fresh death threat from some unidentified caller, apparently in connection with the Malegaon probe. An Indian Express reporter SMSed him asking him if this was true or if he had anything to say. His reply: just a smiley.
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Salute to one of the bravest sons produced by our motherland!!! Long live his memories!!
Heartfelt salutations to the brave cop who lead his team from the front. Deep condolences to his family whose loss is unfathomable. Its a loss to the entire nation.
Extremely saddening.Mr. Karkare's death is unjustified and offering condolences and help to the family is not enough. much more is required to be contributed by the society and a sense of awareness of whats happening in India and where it is going to lead us amongst the youth, the huge and growing political influence on every aspect in society..is there ever going to be an end to all this?
I offer my salutations to this brave man and hope his family and the country can recover from this tragic loss.may he rest in peace.
People like Mr.Karkare are our real heros. Hats off to you sir. May your soul rest in peace. The Govt. and all political parties should come together and enact strict laws to fight terrorism. This is the time for unity. Officers like Mr.Karkare have done their duty. It is time for the politicians to rise up to the occasion.
Look I dont want to question Hemant who ha died, but what was he doing on the front line. A good general only goes to the front line when all is lost. Other wise he stays in his Commnad Centre and controls the all mooping up activity or the war. Karkare a ATS chief was the best person to deal with the situation in the best manner so that the number of inoccent lives lost couldbe minimised, probabaly by his actions he has watered down the Police response to this Gory inhuman incient increasing the loss of inocent lives. And these terrorists rom pak, attacking Hospitals they are in human, savages, murderers, sick people.
Identify the real Godse II, in the killing of the brave cop. Don't let the perpetrators and associate conspirors get away as it happened with Godse I
I think the RSS goons or the Advani's henchmen inside the police force took advantage of the situation and killed Karkare point blank when he about to take position against the terrorists... What are the chances of 3 bullets being shot straight at the top guy killing him instantly and nobody else around him gets even mildly hurt.. There is something fishy here. The hindu terrorists didnt like Karkare's act of unearthing hindu terrorism behind malegaon blasts and were angry at him. They eliminated him when this opportunity presented itself.
I also salute Mr kakare for his bravo task. He has shown the real responsibilities, duties,
Hement Karkare received death threat yesterday afternoon. Specifically it was informed that he will be killed by an explosion due to his inquiry of terrorist affiliated to RSS and Bajrangdal. Army and Government agencies should take this point and do an investigation of any connection with this threat to the ongoing terrorist attacks. Not only Hement, Mr. Salaskar who have killed more than 75 terrorist from Arun Gawali gang close to Sihv Sena is also killed.
all the people in the nation salute the brave man Karkare , and provide all support to his family too. the nation request to the poitical leaders to stop their stupidity and stand firm for the countrys sake . all indian politicians are only consider about money .they will make more money from the blood of karkare too
Advani and his entire BJP owes an aoplogy to the family of this brave man and hero Hemant Karkare, who layed down his life to save ours. Last night and the whole day today we have witnessed the horror of terrorist attack, we were proud of our officers, who stand bravely against the foul terrorist forces, but instead of giveing a pat on the back for protecting India, these officers were recieving sceptism from the BJP. These nonsense groups have not only spolied their own reputation, but they are also dragging entire India back to stone ages.Muslim or Hindu terror shall not be tolerated anywhere.India should ban all the Al-Qaida, SIMI, RSS,VHP,Bajrang Dal etc. to move forward.
My heartfelt condolences to Hemant Karkare's family......... He was a real hero... Lets all get together and salute these heroes... It is indeed a huge loss to the Indian Police Force... It is really sad that we lost some of the most capable officers... All the terrorists organizations need to be bombed down so that there will be no more production of terrorists and hence we can stop these attacks..May god rest their souls in peace..
I salute Mr. Krakare for standing in front and leading the ATS. But his treatment of Malegoen accused Ms. Pragya was nothing honorable. Continuously repoeting to the press accusing hindus may have done to please his Secular bosses but taht did not suit an officer in uniforms. Qusetining and torturiing people for evidence is uncivilised but his end make me sad.rammohan
mR.karkare died due to incapability of the congress govt, ans so the sharma from delhi encounter.nobody should question the creditibility og these brave men because of whoen we are living.had we depend on the congress
I am grived to hear the sad demise of officer like Mr. Hemant Karkare and salute him for his sacrifice and my hearty condolences to his family.These are the real heroes who we should be proud off. I also sugest that express india create a fund for familes of such heroes,i am sure lot of india loving indians will contribute to this fund
so you are how real heroes look like... may Heaven take you and hold you and clothe you in sunshine and wind and laughter and rain.. our prayers are with your family.. thank you mr.karkare.. thank you for your courage
dirty politics killed a super cop that is indian system
Another son of the soil lost in the line of duty. On behalf of my family and my countrymen I salute thee Sir. May God rest your soul in peace and give your family the strength to bear your loss. Coming from a defense background I know the pain and anguish your absence leaves. I salute all the men in uniform who proudly and bravely protect us. Thank you all for your relentless dedication. God bless you.
very sad and the whole nation salute our brave heroes. may god bless their souls and give courage to their families who had a very heavy loss
THIS IS THE REAL HERO. NOW ADVANI TO WHOME DO YOU WANT NACO-TEST PLZ. DONT SPOIL COUNTRY JUST TO BECOME PM AND GAIN BIG VOTEBANK
I am grived to hear the sad demise of officer like Mr. Hemant Karkare and salute him for his sacrifice and my hearty condolences to his family.
The ATS cheif was a brave man who stood against the establishment. With him gone, probably the Sdhvi will be a free women and the case will evaporate.
myself an under training police officer(delhi police) salutes mr.Karkare who fought like a warrior and died like a hero.
Very sad and shocking end of lives of brilliant officer. May god bless thier souls and give courage to the families to bear this irreparable loss. They have died in harness and deserve nation's salute.