Hemant Karkare - Honour for courage or infamy?

The Maharashtra government has recommended Ashok Chakra for the 19 policemen killed by the terrorists, which includes Hemant Karkare. Is dying in the line of duty the only qualification to be recommended for the country’s highest gallantry award? While some among the policemen have indeed made heroic efforts to kill the terrorists while falling to their bullets, Hemant Karkare appears to have had no idea what he was in the midst of, let alone attempt to kill the terrorists. He was, sad to say, shot dead like a dog by randomly fired bullets of the terrorists. There is absolutely nothing heroic in his death. No doubt he has to be commemorated for his long, varied and distinguished service in the police force. However, on that fateful day of 26th November 2008, he was clearly out of his depth and drowned ingloriously. Also, it is open to question whether he displayed the required professionalism in handling the so-called Hindu terrorists. In fact, he will be long remembered for his infamous attempts to corrupt a Sadhvi by showing her pornography.