26/11 probe officer refuses to reconsider decision to quit

Though the crime branch top bosses refrained from commenting on the abrupt application for voluntary retirement (from service) by senior inspector Ramesh Mahale, who was involved in the 26/11 probe, terming it “a personal matter”, sources claimed the decision by the otherwise non-controversial and no-nonsense policeman was the outcome of simmering friction with a senior official.

Though the crime branch top bosses refrained from commenting on the abrupt application for voluntary retirement (from service) by senior inspector Ramesh Mahale, who was involved in the 26/11 probe, terming it “a personal matter”, sources claimed the decision by the otherwise non-controversial and no-nonsense policeman was the outcome of simmering friction with a senior official.

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It is learnt that despite pleas by well-wishers and seniors in the department, Mahale is bent on going ahead with his decision. Mahale, who was at work on Tuesday, refused to speak to the media.

Mahale, 56, has been credited with some of the key investigations in recent times. His decision came as a surprise as he was due for a promotion to assistant commissioner and has more than two years of service left.

Sources claimed that Mahale had crossed swords with a senior officer recently during the investigation of a sensitive case, involving a controversial developer who has wide political and police patronage.

“Mahale’s sincere investigation of the case became his undoing as, in the process, he invited the senior officer’s ire,” a source said.

Another source, however, claimed that Mahale had also crossed swords with another senior officer over certain arrests of the accused involved in attacks on policemen last year.