Rakesh Maria was given responsibility of one of the most high-profile cases including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 and interrogating Ajmal Kasab.
Rakesh Maria is a highly respected figure in the Indian law enforcement community, known for his unwavering commitment to upholding integrity, justice, and public safety. Throughout his illustrious career, he has received numerous accolades and commendations for his outstanding contributions to law enforcement. However, it was during one of India's most harrowing times—the 26/11 Mumbai attacks—that Maria truly demonstrated his exceptional leadership and investigative skills. His tireless efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of the public during that dark period will always be remembered as a shining example of bravery and dedication in the face of adversity.
Introduction
In the annals of Indian law enforcement history, few figures stand as prominently as Rakesh Maria. Born and raised in Mumbai, Maria's journey from humble beginnings to the upper echelons of the Indian Police Service (IPS) is a testament to his unwavering commitment to serve and protect. However, it was his pivotal role in the interrogation of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist from the 2008 Mumbai attacks, that solidified his legacy as one of India's finest investigators. He solved some of the most high-profile cases -- the 2003 Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar twin blasts case, the Mumbai serial blasts of 1993, the Indian Mujahideen module in 2008, and the sensational Sheena Bora murder case. He was also given the responsibility of investigating the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 and interrogating 'Ajmal Kasab'. Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive after the Mumbai terror attack, was executed in 2012.
A Glimpse into Rakesh Maria's Personal Life
Rakesh Maria, a distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was born on January 19, 1955. He has had a remarkable career, during which he held multiple vital positions within the police force, demonstrating his exceptional leadership abilities and expertise in handling complex criminal cases. Raised in a middle-class family in Mumbai, Maria imbibed strong values of integrity and service to society from an early age. He nurtured a deep desire to join the police force and serve his country, which he managed to achieve after clearing a rigorous selection process.
Throughout his illustrious career, Maria has been instrumental in solving several high-profile cases in India, including the 1993 Mumbai bombings, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the Sheena Bora murder case. He has been recognized and awarded for his meritorious service and dedication to the nation on numerous occasions.
Rakesh Maria is married to Preeti and has two sons, Kunal and Krish. He currently resides in Mumbai, where he continues to inspire and mentor young police officers to serve their country with honour and distinction.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Rakesh Maria established himself as a beacon of exemplary leadership and an expert investigator. Whether it was cracking high-profile murder cases or dismantling organized crime syndicates, he proved himself as a tenacious law enforcer capable of delivering results even in the most challenging circumstances. His successful rise through the ranks became a source of inspiration for many aspiring officers within the police force.
Rakesh Maria, an IPS officer from the 1981 batch, achieved a major breakthrough in his career when he successfully cracked the 1993 Bombay serial blasts case as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). He went on to serve as DCP (Crime) and Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) before being appointed as the Commissioner of Mumbai Police in 2014. During his tenure as the Mumbai Police Commissioner, he introduced several innovative measures to enhance the efficiency of the force and to improve the safety and security of the citizens.
In recognition of his exceptional service to the nation, Rakesh Maria was promoted to the Director General of Home Guards in 2015. He continued to serve in this role until his retirement in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism that continues to inspire and motivate countless young officers in the police force.
The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
One of the defining moments of Rakesh Maria's career came during his tenure as the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Mumbai when the city was rocked by one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in its history. In November 2008, a group of heavily armed militants carried out a series of coordinated attacks across Mumbai, targeting various locations including the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and Nariman House. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, a series of coordinated terrorist strikes that shook the city to its core, presented Maria with his greatest challenge yet. As the then Joint Commissioner of Mumbai Police (Crime), he found himself at the forefront of the investigation, tasked with unravelling the intricate web of terror woven by the perpetrators.
During the attacks, Ajmal Kasab, a Pakistani national and member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organization, was captured alive by the Mumbai Police. Rakesh Maria played a pivotal role in interrogating Kasab, extracting crucial information about the planning, execution, and motives behind the attacks.
Interrogation of Ajmal Kasab
Central to Maria's strategy was the interrogation of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist captured during the attacks. Employing a combination of psychological tactics and meticulous questioning, Maria and his team succeeded in extracting vital information crucial to understanding the motives and modus operandi of the attackers. Kasab's confession provided valuable insights that proved instrumental in building a robust case against the perpetrators.
Maria's interrogation techniques were hailed for their effectiveness in eliciting valuable intelligence from Kasab, shedding light on the intricate details of the terror plot. His meticulous approach to questioning helped uncover vital information that proved instrumental in the subsequent investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators involved in the attacks.
The interrogation sessions conducted by Rakesh Maria provided crucial insights into the modus operandi of the terrorist organization, as well as its links to other extremist groups operating in the region. His efforts significantly contributed to unravelling the intricate network of terror cells and their supporters, aiding law enforcement agencies in thwarting future threats to national security.
Personal Reflections
Rakesh Maria's book titled "Let Me Say It Now" offers a captivating account of his personal interrogations with 'Kasab' daily. These interactions allowed Maria to gain a profound understanding of the inner workings of terrorist organizations and their psyche. What is most intriguing about this account is that over time, a bond of sorts developed between Kasab and Maria, which led to Kasab addressing him respectfully as 'Janab' (sir).
Moreover, Maria shared that Kasab held a belief that Muslims were not allowed to offer namaaz in India. He also believed that mosques were often locked up by the authorities, which prevented Muslims from practising their religion freely. This revelation by Kasab sheds light on the prejudices and misconceptions that exist in our society, which can lead to radicalization and extremism.
An excerpt from "Let Me Say It Now":
The convoy came to the Metro junction, the stretch around which this monster had unleashed death just a few days ago, killing my dear colleagues and innocent fellow citizens. I don't know what came over me again. I stopped the convoy and got out of my car. I made them take Kasab out. It must have been around 4:30 in the morning. The winter night was chilly and the temples and mosques had still not woken up to the gods.
'Bend down and touch the ground with your forehead,' I ordered Kasab. Spooked, he meekly followed my instructions.
'Now say: Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Hail Mother India),' I commanded.
'Bharat Mata Ki Jai!' said Kasab. Not satisfied with just once, I made him repeat it twice.
Rakesh Maria: Beyond the Interrogation Room
Throughout his illustrious career, Rakesh Maria has been consistently selected for some of the most demanding and intricate criminal investigations that law enforcement has ever seen. Despite the significant obstacles he encountered, Maria fearlessly shouldered his responsibilities and skillfully led several exceptional investigations, including the 1993 serial blasts and the audacious 26/11 terror attack. In the face of distressing situations, Maria remained resolute in his commitment to upholding justice, always leading from the front and ensuring that his duty was carried out to the best of his abilities.
If the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had carried out their plan, 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab would have died as a Bengaluru resident named "Samir Dinesh Chaudhari" with a "red thread tied around his wrist," according to former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria's incendiary diaries. According to Rakesh Maria's book "Let Me Say It Now," the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks would have been described as "Hindu terror" since the Lashkar-e-Taiba deployed militants with false Hindu names. Mr Maria claims that keeping Kasab alive became his "first priority" after Mumbai cops became angry with him and terrorists attempted to kill him. The Dawood Ibrahim gang was assigned the task of assassinating Kasab.
Legacy and Impact
Maria's exceptional handling of the 26/11 case earned him widespread admiration and recognition from both his colleagues and the general public. With his unwavering determination to seek justice, he emerged as a true hero and a symbol of hope in the face of tragedy. His remarkable insights and expertise proved to be invaluable in shaping counter-terrorism strategies and enhancing national security measures. Maria's contributions have left an indelible mark on the Indian law enforcement machinery, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
Conclusion
Rakesh Maria's remarkable contribution to Indian law enforcement, especially his pivotal role in interrogating Ajmal Kasab, is a shining example of the unyielding determination and courage of those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth and justice are a testament to his remarkable character and an inspiration to future generations of law enforcers. Rakesh Maria's legacy will continue to inspire and influence the Indian law enforcement community for years to come.
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