Ashok Kamte creamated in Pune with full state honour

Pune, Nov 27 (UNI) The body of Additional Police Commissioner Ashok Kamte, who was gunned down by terrorists yesterday night near Mumbai's Metro cinema, was consigned to flames with full State honour at the Vaikunth cremotorium ground here this evening.

Kamte, one of the finest police officers honoured with many medals, laid down his life in true spirit of valour and dedication while defending the country's honour.

Kamte, a resident of Rashaknagar Colony of Sanghvi area of city, was a 1989 batch IPS officer of Maharashtra cadre.

He was one of the brightest officer of his batch, and one of the few who dared to take on challenges directly. He was an excellent negotiator in crisis situations -- a quality for which he was summoned late night to deal with terrorists holed up in Mumbai's buildings.

Having undergone special training for hostage negotiations, Kamte was chosen to tackle one of the worst crisis faced by the financial capital of the country.

Maharashtra Police specially summoned him to undertake the operation at Metro Cinema in the city, where he laid down his life fighting with terrorists along with encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, Kamte was a key officer in the state police. He had also served as the Commissioner of Solapur, where he became a hero among the locals.

Survived by his wife and two children, Kamte had a panache for body building during his college days. His friends at the IPS academy also remember him as a great athlete and one of the brightest cadets of his batch.

A large number of high-ranking police officers including Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh, Joint Commissioner of Police Rajendra Sonawane and district collector Chandrakant Dalvi participated in funeral procession.

Around 2,000 people were present to pay their last tributes to their hero.

UNI SP AK VP0150