Homage to Hemant Karkare

By Vijay Kumar

This is a letter written by Sunil Uke, Commissioner, Directorate of Data Management, Customs & Central Excise to Mrs Hemant Karkare.

Dear Mrs. Hemant Karkare,

I was deeply shocked to learn about the sad but heroic demise of Hemant. May you, your family and the people of Mumbai have the courage to bear the loss of one of the bravest and finest IPS officers of Mumbai Police.

Hemant and I worked in tandem during the period 1998-2000, when he was posted as Additional Commissioner, Special Bureau, Cabinet Secretariat, Mumbai. While he held the fort in Mumbai I was his counterpart in New Delhi. Together we were responsible for making a dent in the Mumbai Underworld when lots of undesirable elements were neutralized. We were in constant touch with each other sharing our intelligence on a daily basis.

Later he left for Austria and I also proceeded on Special Assignment. By the time I returned he had repatriated and joined Mumbai Police. On 15 November 2008 I was in Mumbai and enquired about Hemant, though we could not meet.

My eyes become moist and a shiver ran down my spine when I got the tragic news from my younger brother, an IAS officer in Mumbai and from my daughter who was studying late in the night. I immediately switched on the TV news and have not switched off.

I only wish that the Indian Defence forces, the Para Military, the Mumbai Police and the Commandos finish the work begun by Hemant. As a fellow Maharashtrian and an Indian, I am indeed proud to have been ever associated with Hemant. I salute Hemant and offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

With deepest sympathies,

Yours Sincerely,

(Sunil Uke)
Commissioner
Directorate of Data Management
Customs & Central Excise