Former ACP and Karkare’s deputy, Riyaz Deshmukh files nomination from Bhopal LS to avenge ‘insult’

Offended and upset by the 2008 Malegaon blast accused and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP’s) Bhopal candidate, Pragya Thakur’s statement on 26/11 martyr Hemant Karkare, a retired assistant commissioner of police (ACP) and Karkare’s former colleague from Maharashtra, Riyaz Deshmukh has decided to contest election against Pragya Thakur.

Deshmukh, a resident of Aurangabad (Maharashtra) filed his nomination from Bhopal parliamentary constituency seat as an independent candidate on Wednesday.

He has filed papers as an independent candidate and might get ‘whistle’ as his poll symbol. His affidavit says he is a “freelancer and blogger” with an annual income of ₹5.6 lakh in the 2016-17 fiscal.

“After Sadhvi filed her nomination from Bhopal, I made up my mind to contest against her because I cannot see anyone maligning the image of one of the finest and most upright officers in Maharashtra.” said Deshmukh over phone a day after filing nomination.

Deshmukh, who started his career under Karkare and was once the officer’s deputy, said Karkare guided him in all professional matters and always stood by him. “I want to avenge the insult to Hemant Karkare and will start my campaign from April 29 in Bhopal,” the 60-year-old said over phone.

During a public meeting, last week, Pragya Thakur defamed former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad chief Hemant Karkare saying that he died after she had cursed him. “I had told him you will be destroyed, and he was gone in less than two months during 2008 Mumbai attack.” she had said.

The statement has drawn huge criticism from all sections of the society, even, the BJP has distanced itself from it. Later, she apologised after getting Election Commission’s notice. Unsatisfied with her reply, the EC ordered to file an FIR against Pragya Thakur for making the derogatory remark.

Deshmukh served Maharashtra Police for over three decades and retired as ACP, Amravati, in 2016. He has lived in Aurangabad ever since, and started a web portal named ‘dilligatenews’. He also offers counselling services in legal cases to civilians and serving policemen.

A sub-inspector from the 1986 batch, Deshmukh was posted as a probationary officer in Akola, where he served for nine years. During this time, he came in contact with Karkare, who was posted as Akola SP in 1988. He remained in touch with Karkare till the Mumbai ATS chief was killed by terrorists in the 26/11 attacks.

To make the fight for Bhopal more interesting, an Independent candidate named Pragya Thakur has also filed nomination papers for Bhopal. The 35-year-old candidate is a resident of Peer Gate.