‘I will handle them’: From Tukaram Omble to Hemant Karkare, remembering the martyred heroes of 26/11. india news

Last updated:November 26, 2025, 10:21 IST

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan died after being shot during an encounter with terrorists. His last instructions to his team were: “Don’t come up, I’ll handle them.”

To commemorate the anniversary of the 26/11 attacks, the National Security Guard (NSG) will organize a tribute program at the Gateway of India on Wednesday, which will focus on the theme.never everThe event is designed to honor the martyrs, survivors and all those affected by the tragedy, while also renewing the nation’s resolve to prevent such horrors from happening again. A special memorial area will have photographs and names of the martyred heroes decorated with flowers and candlelight, and officials told PTI that a unique “living memorial” made of the wax of these tribute candles will be preserved for future memories.

Stories of Valor: Fallen Heroes

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks unfolded over four horrific days, beginning on the night of 26 November 2008. Ten heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via sea and targeted some of the city’s busiest and most prestigious locations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi-Trident Hotel, Nariman House, Leopold Café and Cama Hospital. What followed was a spate of indiscriminate shootings, explosions, fires and hostage situations that brought India’s financial capital to a standstill. The attacks killed 166 people and injured more than 300, and left behind a mark that remains etched in the country’s memory as one of its deepest and defining tragedies.

But what stood out were the stories of bravery and courage not only of the security forces but also of the civilians, who fought the terrorists tooth and nail and saved the lives of hundreds of others.

Hemant Karkare – Chief, ATS

Karkare came out of his house after receiving information about firing at several places. He along with ACP Ashok Kamte and Inspector Vijay Salaskar were on their way to Cama Hospital in police quays, where information about two terrorists was received. As they approached Hospital Lane, terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail ambushed the vehicle with automatic gunfire. Karkare was stabbed multiple times and died inside the vehicle.

ACP Ashok Kamte

Comte was coordinating teams near CST and headed towards Cama Hospital when he learned of possible hostages inside. He contacted Karkare and Salaskar to stop the terrorists. As his vehicle turned into a narrow lane, Kamte returned fire but he too was hit by bullets in the ambush. He later died of his wounds in hospital.

Senior Inspector Vijay Salaskar

Salaskar took control of the police vehicle by sitting in the front passenger seat with an AK-47. During the sudden attack outside Cama Hospital, he tried to retaliate. However, he got seriously injured after being shot by the terrorists and his weapon was stolen by the terrorists and used later.

ASI Tukaram Omble

Omble’s actions are one of the greatest acts of raw courage. At Girgaon Chowpatty, the police managed to puncture the tires of the stolen Skoda carrying Kasab and Ismail. As the terrorists emerged firing, Omble moved forward carrying only sticks. Kasab tried to kill him, but Omble held the barrel of the rifle and held on despite taking bullets to the chest. His hold prevented Kasab from attacking again, which helped other officers overpower and capture the terrorist alive.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

At the Taj Hotel, NSG Major Sandeep led the elite assault team to clear floors one after the other. He rescued several hostages and when fellow commando Sunil Yadav was hit by bullets, Sandeep moved forward to distract the terrorists. He was fatally shot during the confrontation on the sixth floor. His last instructions to his team were: “Don’t come up, I’ll handle them.”

Havildar Gajendra Singh Bisht

During the raid on Nariman House, NSG’s Gajendra Singh climbed onto the roof under sniper fire. He proceeded to breach the upper floors as the terrorists threw grenades and opened automatic fire from inside. He was seriously injured while moving forward to reduce the angle of terrorists firing on his comrades. Their actions enabled the NSG to take control of critical access points.

Inspector Shashank Shinde

Shinde was part of the initial response team that entered the Taj Mahal Palace hotel to evacuate the guests. While trying to secure a ladder and guide the trapped civilians, he was shot by terrorists sitting on higher floors. Despite being seriously injured, he continued to give safety instructions to civilians before collapsing.

PSI Kapil Kashyap

Kashyap responded to reports of gunmen near the Metro Cinema-Cama Hospital area. He joined a team moving through dimly lit streets when terrorists began firing from hidden positions. During this sudden firing, Kashyap got shot and died on the spot.

PSI Bapuji Sonawane

Sonawane was deployed to block possible escape routes around the Cama Hospital area. As he moved forward with his unit, the terrorists opened fire and attacked him. His actions helped slow down the movement of terrorists towards Marine Drive.

PSI Balasaheb Bhosale

Bhosale was among the officers attempting to secure the CST perimeter just after the initial massacre. He was helping evacuate injured passengers when the terrorists returned to the station area. Caught in the repeated firing, he was shot and later died.

Constable Ambadas Pawar

Pawar was with a patrol team to respond to the attack sites near CST and Azad Maidan. While trying to evacuate injured civilians from the open platform, he was targeted by indiscriminate firing by terrorists. He died protecting others.

As constable Balasaheb

The bankers were helping to control the crowd fleeing from the CST area. He repeatedly went into the open corridors to evacuate people and was hit by bullets during one such evacuation attempt.

Constable Arvind Nathamwar

Nathamwar was posted near the Metro Junction when reports of firing from moving positions by terrorists came. As they tried to create a safe corridor for the ambulances, they came under fire from the advancing gunmen.

Constable Govind Sankhe

Sankhe was part of the first team that attempted to stop the movement of attackers from CST towards Cama Hospital. He held his position even under heavy fire until he was seriously wounded.

Constable Prakash More

More help was provided in rescuing passengers hiding in the corridors on CST. As they were leading them towards the exit, terrorists coming down from the stage shot them.

Constable Yogesh Patil

Patil was deployed to control the mass panic around CST. As he tried to move the barricade to help the arriving rescue teams, he was caught in the crossfire of the terrorists and was killed instantly.

Constable Vijay More

More people responded to the call from Cama Hospital Paridhi. While securing the area and capturing the escape route of the terrorists, he was shot during an encounter and succumbed to his injuries.

Taj Hotel Staff

Many Taj staff members decided to rescue the guests instead of fleeing for their lives. Chefs, waiters, managers and housekeeping teams formed human shields, guiding people through smoke-filled corridors and helping evacuate the injured. His bravery was not defined by weapons, but by compassion and duty. They stood firm even as parts of the building burned and gunmen roamed the halls.

read more