26/11 Anniversary: From Omble and Karkare to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, key characters who defined Mumbai's darkest hours

174 lives lost. Over 300 injured. One date¡ª26/11¡ªetched in India¡¯s collective memory. On November 26, 2008, a meticulously planned and ruthlessly executed series of terrorist attacks brought Mumbai, India¡¯s financial capital, to its knees. This three-day siege left an indelible scar on the nation, highlighting vulnerabilities in security systems and the resilience of ordinary citizens.

Main players in the 26/11 Mumbai attack

The terrorists from Pakistan:

Ajmal Kasab

BCCL

The youngest of the ten attackers, Kasab was trained by Lashkar-e-Taiba. He participated in the massacre at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), killing over 50 people. Captured alive by police after a shootout, his testimony provided crucial evidence about Pakistan's involvement.

Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi

A senior leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the mastermind of the operation, he coordinated training, provided funding, and oversaw the execution of the attacks. He was named in the dossier provided by India to Pakistan and was briefly detained but later released.

Hafiz Saeed

Co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and accused of ideating the attacks, Saeed was a key figure in LeT's activities. Despite India's demands for action against him, Pakistan denied his direct involvement, citing lack of evidence.

David Headley (Daood Gilani)

A U.S.-Pakistani national who carried out extensive reconnaissance missions in Mumbai under the guise of a business trip. He mapped key locations, such as the Taj Mahal Hotel and Nariman House, and his arrest in the U.S. exposed LeT's plans.

The heroes from India

Tukaram Omble

Credit: BCCL | Tukaram Omble's statue at Girgaun Chowpatty

A retired soldier turned Mumbai police officer, Omble confronted Ajmal Kasab and his partner at Girgaum Chowpatty. Armed only with a lathi, he held onto Kasab's rifle, enabling his capture, but was fatally shot in the process. His bravery ensured the lone attacker was captured alive.

Hemant Karkare

Credit: BCCL | Hemant Karkare

The head of Mumbai's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Karkare was one of the first senior officers to respond. He led operations near CSMT but was ambushed by terrorists at Cama Hospital. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

Credit: BCCL | Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

An NSG commando leading the operation at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Unnikrishnan evacuated hostages from a burning building. He was killed while engaging terrorists on the fourth floor and was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra.

Vishnu Dattaram Zende

A railway announcer at CSMT, Zende's quick thinking saved hundreds of lives. Despite the chaos, he continuously warned passengers about the attack and urged them to leave the station, minimising casualties.

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