50 rescued from Taj Hotel
Over 80 people have been killed and about 200 injured in many terrorist attacks in Mumbai on Wednesday night.
Two five-star hotels – Trident and Taj – are under siege and gunmen are reported to have held the occupants hostage.
An ATS team has arrived at the Taj, where fifth blast was reported; a grenade was flung from inside the hotel. The Army has stormed the Taj hotel and taken position at Trident hotel.
Two terrorists have been killed and nine arrested inside the Taj hotel but there are constant exchanges of gunfire inside the hotel.
A little known outfit Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Meanwhile, there are reports of firing at JW Marriott hotel also.
“Encounter is on between police and terrorists at Taj and Trident. Our people have surrounded them and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) team has arrived at the Taj hotel,” A N Roy, Deputy Police Commissioner.
Home Minister Shivraj Patil has left for Mumbai.
Many foreigners are reported to be held hostage by the terrorists.
“Gunmen took 15 hostages and half of them foreigners,” said an eye-witness at Taj hotel.
“Gunmen wanted anyone with British or American passport,” said another eye-witness.
According to latest reports hostages taken in Cama hospital of the city.
Encounter cops Vijay Salaskar and Ashok Kanthe have been killed in the operation. Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare who was injured in the operation has succumbed to his injuries.
Additional commissioner of police Sadanand Date is critical.
There are also reports of low intensity blast in Ville Parle and grenade attack in Santa Cruz. Two blasts reported in Napean Sea road area of south Mumbai.
Police sources are investigating a boat which anchored off Mumbai harbour.
It all started with incidents of firing in Colaba and near CST station. One policeman was injured in the firing.
PTI adds Earlier, police cordoned off the CST and none was allowed to enter it.
Two persons armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades were reportedly holding up inside CST stations.
Hundreds of onlookers gathered outside the station. The station and premises has been evacuated.
One policeman was injured in the firing at Colaba and a number of people were wounded at CST where two armed men opened indiscriminate area.
Colaba is one of the most congested and high-profile areas of Mumbai and CST the busiest railway station.
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