This comprehensive biography explores the life and career of Rakesh Maria, a highly decorated former Mumbai Police Commissioner known for solving some of India’s most high-profile cases. His impactful career is marked by both significant achievements and notable controversies.

Wiki/Biography

Rakesh Maria, born on Saturday, 19 January 1957 (age 66 years as of 2023), in Bandra, Mumbai, is a Capricorn. His early education was at St. Andrew’s High School in Mumbai, followed by St. Xavier’s College. A childhood ambition to serve in uniformed services led him to consistently choose the IPS (Indian Police Service) when applying for civil services.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 6′ 2″
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper

Family, Caste, and Wife

Rakesh Maria hails from a Punjabi family belonging to the Gond Caste (a Primitive Tribal Group). His father, Vijay Madia, was a film producer whose company, Kala Niketan, created several successful films. Mr. Madia moved to Mumbai from Punjab with aspirations of becoming an actor. Rakesh Maria married Preeti in 1985, having met during their time at St. Xavier’s College. The couple has two sons: Kunal (elder son and an advocate), and Krish.

Career

A 1981 batch IPS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, Maria’s initial posting was in Akola as an Assistant Superintendent. His transfer to Mumbai in 1986 marked the beginning of his rise through the ranks. His promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in 1993 placed him at the forefront of the response to the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. His swift actions in locating and diffusing a bomb, subsequently linking it to Tiger Memon, showcased his exceptional investigative skills.

During his time as DCP Traffic, he developed a vast network of informants within the underworld and amongst Mumbai’s elite. His involvement in solving the 2003 Mumbai twin blasts, where he quickly apprehended the perpetrators based on information obtained from a taxi driver, further cemented his reputation. His unique interrogation techniques, often involving psychological strategies, led to numerous confessions.

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks saw Maria as the first officer to interrogate Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist. Information extracted from Kasab proved crucial in understanding the attack’s planning and those involved. Following 26/11, he led the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and solved the German Bakery bomb blast case in 2010.

Maria’s career is marked by a long list of high-profile cases successfully resolved, effectively weakening the hold of the Mumbai underworld. His transfer in 2012, from the Sheena Bora murder case to the Director-General of the Home Guard, remains a point of discussion. He retired in 2017 after 36 years of service.

Controversies

Maria’s career also includes controversies. A controversial statement naming cricketers in a betting scandal during a media sting operation in 2003 created significant attention. A fake terror alert traced to his email account resulted in his transfer to a less prominent role. Furthermore, criticism arose from the book “To The Last Bullet” by Vinita Kamte, wife of a slain officer, which alleged mishandling of the 26/11 response.

Favourites

• Cuisine: Thai
• Dish: Deep Fried Mackarel (Fish)
• Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
• Film: Zanjeer (1973)
• Singer: Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali
• Books: “The Day of the Jackal” by Fredrick Forsyth, Sherlock Holmes

Facts

His original surname is Madia, which evolved into Maria due to pronunciation variations. A college basketball champion and martial artist, he played for the Mumbai Police team. His participation in the National Games in 1979, representing Maharashtra in Karate, highlights his diverse athletic skills. He’s known for securing Sanjay Dutt’s confession about underworld connections.

Maria openly regrets his position in the control room rather than the field during 26/11. He frequently participated in Mumbai Police’s football team. He’s the only IPS officer to head the Crime Branch at various levels: Deputy Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, and Commissioner. His proactive approach to street violence, often intervening personally even without uniform, earned him respect. He was portrayed by Nana Patekar in “The Attacks of 26/11” (2013).

Post-retirement, he planned a book detailing his career’s major cases. In 2018, a web series on his life was announced. His memoir, “Let Me Say It Now” (2020), controversially claimed the 2008 Mumbai attacks were planned to be presented as “Hindu terror” by the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Key Cases Handled by Rakesh Maria