Nov 26, 2023, 05:43 PM IST

15 years of 26/11: Remembering Heroes Who Saved Lives that Day 

Nishtha Badgamia

It has been 15 years since India faced one of its worst terror attacks which claimed the lives of 166 people, including foreign nations and children, and injured 300 others, in Mumbai. 

On this day, 10 Pakistan-based terrorists entered the financial capital city of Mumbai and attacked the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Oberoi Trident, Taj Hotel and Nariman House for four days. The joint effort of the Indian Army and Mumbai Police led to the elimination of all Pakistan-based terrorists and the arrest of one. 

Tukaram Omble 

The Mumbai Police Assistant sub-inspector was shot multiple times but managed to detain Ajmal Kasab in Girgaum Chowpatty after he held on to the terrorist’s rifle to ensure that he was nabbed alive. Kasab’s arrest led to multiple revelations about the group’s plans for the city. 

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan 

A part of the elite National Security Guard (NSG) unit, he was among those responsible for rescuing hostages from the Taj Hotel. Despite sustaining a bullet injury Major Sandeep was able to save 14 hostages, before being fatally shot by terrorists. 

Mallika Jagad 

The banquet manager at the Taj Hotel ordered guests to get under the table and remain silent and was able to lead dozens guests to safety. 

Karambir Kang 

Taj Hotel’s general manager, despite losing his wife and two sons, led thousands of guests to safety.

Sandra Samuel

She was a nanny at Nariman House who managed to save a two-year-old Jewish boy named Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka were murdered by terrorists. 

Hemant Karkare

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief was killed in the line of duty when terrorists opened fire outside south Mumbai’s Cama Hospital. He was conferred with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime award. 

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