On the day terrorists attacked Mumbai between 26th to 29th November 2008, Tukaram Omble (Assistant Sub Inspector), Ashok Kamte (Assistant Commissioner), Hemant Karkare (Chief of ATS), Vijay Salaskar, a sharp shooter (Head of Anti Extortion Cell), Hawaldar Vijendra Singh sacrificed their life while fighting with the terrorists. We Mumbaikars are proud of these brave hearts and remembering them on this day.
Tukaram Omble
Tukaram Omble was retired army man who joined as the Police Constable in 1991. He was then an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Mumbai Police.
Tukaram Omble played the major role to catch Ajmal Kasab alive at Girgaum Chowpaty. After the alert of Leopold firing he was posted at Marine Drive. At Marine Drive he with his motorcycle chased the terrorists who were driving Skoda. Omble overtook the Skoda and blocked their way. The terrorist opened fire at the Police at Nakabandi near Chowpaty. Omble immediately held onto AK 47 rifle of Ajmal Kasab. Ajmal fired several shots, killing Omble who then collapsed, but Omble held on to the gun till he lost consciousness.
The Indian government honoured Omble, on 26 January 2009, with the Ashoka Chakra.
Click here for more information on Tukaram Omble
Hemant Karkare
Born: 12 December 1954
Died: 26 November 2008
Awards: Ashoka Chakra
Hemant Karkare was the chief of the Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). He was killed in an attack by terrorists while going towards Cama Hospital along with Vijay Salaskar and Ashok Kamte. Three shots of bullets pierced his chest. His bravery was honoured with the Ashoka Chakra on 26 January 2009.
Click here for detail information on Hemant Karkare
Vijay Salaskar
Born: April 5, 1957
Died: 26 November 2008
Awards: Ashoka Chakra
Vijay Salaskar joined Mumbai police as a sub inspector in 1983. Before his death Salaskar was head of the Anti-Extortion Cell, Mumbai. He got information on lethal attack in Cama Hospital by terrorists. Salaskar drove Toyota Qualis took Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte along with him heading towards Cama Hospital. In a narrow lane between St. Xaviers college and the Rang Bhavan opposite Corporation Bank ATM, two terrorists opened fire on the Toyota Qualis killing Vijay Salaskar, Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and 6 other police constables.
Click here for more information on Vijay Salaskar
Ashok Kamte
Born: 23 February 1965
Died: 26 November 2008 (aged 42)
Awards: Ashoka Chakra
Ashok Kamte was the Additional Commissioner of the Mumbai Police supervising the Eastern region.
Ashok Kamte lost his life in a action by terrorists during the Mumbai attacks, on 26 November 2008 as mentioned above.
Click here for detail information on Ashok Kamte
Hawaldar Gajendra Singh
Born: 01st July 1961
Died: 28th November 2008
Awards: Ashoka Chakra
Gajender Singh was a member of the National Security Guard’s 51 Special Action Group. Gajender Singh was part of the team of NSG commandos who were fast-roped on the roof of Nariman House in an operation to neutralize the terrorists inside who were holding at least six hostages.
According to Jyoti Krishna Dutt, Director General of the NSG, Singh was leading one of the teams that entered the building. The team came under intense fire from the terrorists and returned fire, while trying to dominate the situation. The terrorists also hurled a few grenades at the commandos. At this point, Singh had the option of retreating with his team. However, he realized that they had to seize this opportunity to dominate and continued moving ahead. He didn’t turn his back to the militants and created a way for the other commandos despite a grenade thrown at him. Despite sustaining multiple bullet injuries while doing so, he moved forward and ultimately succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice. This selfless and brave gesture of his ensured that his team secured a dominating position in the encounter
Read more about Gajendra Singh Bisht
Read more:
