This day in 2008, India’s financial capital, Mumbai, was shocked by a terrorist attack that went on for 4 days. The attack was organized by Lashkar-e-Taiba whose 10 terrorists carried out more than a dozen coordinated bombings and shootings.
Today, we remember the brave souls who fought against the evils of terrorism and gave their lives to protect the lives of the others.
Tukaram Omble
Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, was instrumental in catching Ajmal Kasab alive. Omble blocked Ajmal Kasab’ passage and even after receiving bullets from the terrorist. Omble fearlessly fought Kasab and did not allow him to go. Kasab was the sole terrorist that the security personnel could capture alive, all became possible due to Omble’ bravery.
He was posthumously honoured with Ashoka Chakra.
Ashok Kamte
Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte retaliated firings by terrorists while he was assisting the Anti-Terrorist Squad. Kamte helped at a time when his area was not under attacks.
He was honoured with Ashoka Chakra posthumously.
Hemant Karkare
Karkare was the chief of Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad. He reached Cama Hospital and boarded a jeep with Kamte and Salaskar after which they received information about a terrorist’s car. When they found the terrorists an encounter erupted. Karkare’ gun fell down during the firing and later he lost his life. He was posthumously honoured with Ashoka Chakra.
26/11 The K9 Quartet of Max, Ceasar, Tiger and Sultan
The four dogs were acquired by Delhi Police at a mere age of 3 months. The K9 team saved hundreds of lives as they detected 8 kgs of RDX, 25 grenades and a number of detonators. Max had earlier traced detonators and bombs during the Zaveri Blasts.
The dogs sadly passed away within months of each other. They were given a state funeral with their bodies laid to rest wrapped in tri-colour.
In the Mumbai attacks, 164 people lost their lives, leaving 300+ injured. Most of the attacks took place in the South Mumbai area, the sites of the attack were, Leopold Cafe, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House, Taj Palace among others. Last attackers were flushed out by National Security Guards who conducted Operation Black Tornado on 29 November.
Among the killed were 28 foreigners from 10 countries, 15 policemen and two National Security Guard commandos also lost their lives. The government of Maharashtra provided the kin of each of the killed with a compensation of around 5 Lac Rupees. In 2010 an elite commando force – Force One, was founded as a response to 26/11 attacks.
