Hemant Karkare was born on 12 December 1954 in Nagpur, Maharashtra,India.He  was from Maharashtrian Karhade Brahmin family.He was the chief of  the Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad.

He did his Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vishveshvarayya Regional Engineering in Nagpur.After B.Tech he worked for National productivity council, Government of India and then in Hindustan Lever Limited.

In 1982, he became  Indian Police Service (IPS) officer , received posts at Nanded, Akola, Thane and Bhiwandi.

Before becoming  Anti-Terrorism Squad ( ATS) Chief of Maharashtra State in January 2008, he was Joint Commissioner of Police of Mumbai Police.

According to former senior Mumbai Police officer Y.C. Pawar, Mr. Karkare was regarded as  very honest  in police circles.He was one of the best police officer in India. He played very important role in investigating the case of the Bomb attacks in Malegoan in September 2008.  Hemant Karkare was in controversies for its new findings and away of investigation of the 2008 Malegoan blasts.

In November 2008, Hemant Karkare was leading a terrorist seize at Mumbai's Taj Hotel.

After entering the Taj Hotel, Hemant Karkare was hit with three bullets to the chest, and was instantly killed.The great hero died for India, died for his country,died for his duty on 26,november 2009.

He was awarded with ashok chakra for his bravery on 26 January 2009. We all salute him and for his bravery.