Investigating officer in 26/11 terror case resigns

The investigating officer in the 26/11 terror attack case, who had helped build a water-tight case against Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, has resigned, police sources said on Tuesday.

Senior Inspector Ramesh Mahale, 56, put in his papers on Monday after 35 years of service. The reason for his sudden resignation is not yet clear although there was speculation that he had differences with seniors, sources said.

Mahale, who has appeared in many high-profile cases, had a law degree and was considered an expert in handling criminal trials. He had solved the murder case of journalist J Dey.

He had also cracked the murder case of 'Matka' king Suresh Bhagat by arresting his wife and son.

In the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, he assisted Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in conducting the trial. As investigating officer, he personally supervised the documents prepared for the trial.

Mahale had accompanied Kasab along with other police officials to Yerwada Jail in a secret operation for the hanging of the terrorist recently.

Known for his integrity and sharp legal acumen, Mahale had put in 35 years of service in the police department. He has worked at the N M Joshi Marg, Yellow Gate and Dadar police stations. He was posted in the Economic Offences wing in 2000 and was later posted as the head of Crime Branch Unit I.