Rhys Blakely in Mumbai
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At least five terrorist gunmen might have escaped the carnage in Mumbai and could strike again, it emerged yesterday as a video surfaced showing the capture of the gang’s sole known surviving member.
The prospect of more killers added to public anger at the Indian Government’s lax handling of the worst terror strike to hit the country in 15 years.
The security forces claimed that only ten militants – nine of whom were killed and one caught alive – were behind the coordinated attacks that claimed nearly 200 lives. Rakesh Maria, a joint commissioner of police, said: “Their plan was just to cause maximum damage and return with hostages protecting themselves.”
However, a hijacked Indian fishing boat used by the gunmen had equipment for 15 men on board when it was discovered adrift – suggesting that several gunmen could still be at large.
“Fifteen winter jackets were found, fifteen toothbrushes,” a police source said. “That more terrorists are loose is possible.”
Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only gunman to be caught alive, said during police questioning that 24 men were trained in camps in Pakistan for the mission, according to a leaked account of his police interrogation.
He has since claimed, apparently, that only ten made the final trip to Mumbai, including him. Police are continuing to question the 21-year-old, who has said that he and his accomplices planned to kill 5,000 people.
Security experts say that a force of ten heavily armed men could carry out an operation on the scale of the Mumbai strike only if they received extensive training and local support.
Investigators believe that at least five or six additional people were immediately involved in preparing for the attacks by organising logistics and carrying out reconnaissance.
Grainy mobile phone footage broadcast yesterday by Sky Television sheds little light on the militants’ methods, but it documents the capture of the “baby-faced gunman”.
It shows Kasab’s last stand: a small crowd is seen shouting and beating a man lying on the ground in a Mumbai street as police officers, blowing whistles and waving long sticks, try to restore order.
Police say that Kasab arrived with the other militants in two dinghies that moored on the seafront by the Gateway of India, near the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. The militants then commandeered several cars and set off towards ten different sites across the city.
Kasab and one other gunman, Abu Ismail, headed straight for Chhat-rapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai’s main railway station, where they opened fire with AK47s, killing dozens. It was there that he was photographed, holding his AK47 in one hand, in an image that has been seen around the world.
“They were right there,” recalled Sebastian D’Souza, the man who took the photograph, pointing to the spot on the platform where he first saw the gunmen. “They never raised their guns, they were very cool. They just kept firing from their hips,” he told Sky News.
“I saw lots of people shot dead, just lying there, nobody caring for them,” he said. “If somebody had engaged them in some crossfire . . . ” But no one did, so Kasab and his accomplice moved on to Cama hospital, according to Mumbai police.
There he and Abu Ismail shot dead three of India’s top police officers who were rushing to the scene in a vehicle. The terrorists continued on their shooting spree, firing shots in the air at the Metro Cinema until their vehicle suffered a puncture.
Kasab and Abu Ismail then stole a golden Skoda Laura and were driving it towards Chowpatty beach, a popular evening destination for families in south Mumbai, when they were intercepted by a police team.
Abu Ismail was killed in the shoot-out, while Kasab was shot in his hand, according to police. It was then that he was attacked by the mob as shown in the mobile phone footage.
Initially he pretended to be dead, and was being taken to hospital when a police officer realised that he was breathing, according to Indian media reports. They said that when he reached hospital he told staff there: “I don’t want to die.” Later, after a police interrogation, he reportedly said: “Now I don’t want to live.”
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None of Islamic teachings, practices or rules confirm any terrorists action. Common sense also confirm this that there shouldn't be a death punishment while we are going to guide people to the right way. The terrorist action is nothing but evil's inspirations.
May GOD bless us and stop the terrors!
Haman, Sydney, Australia
The only way to bring an end to this kind of attack is for muslim communities to tell the terrorists and fundamentalists that what they are doing is totally wrong. Standing back and not saying anything just because the terrorists are also muslims is wrong. They must speak out to bring peace.
Roy Shaw, Portishead, England
In WW2, both the Allies and the Axis powers used delayed action bombs to catch out the clean up crews. Did we really think that terrorists wouldn't find a similar way to make sure that lightning strikes twice in the same place?
KR, Stockport,
In such a dangerous setting, Jama Masjid Trust has done something no Muslim leader has done in decades. He has declared these acts heinous, and against Muslim teachings. My fear is that he will suffer retribution for his bravery. I pray I am wrong. I pray Muslims in the US follow his lead.
Joanne, Chester County,
if indian government will catch tarriost, is that they will punish them, system of indian law is healthy or poor, is that indian law is green carpet for tarriost because of dirty politicians.
satish chaphekar, thane-mumbai, india
Just as a person - a Christian - I would like to express my solidarity with the people of Bombay. I live in a "safe' country, but what is ever safe in our hearts? Those people in the Taj - the ordinary staff - were so heroic. Continued Strength to You!Victory to India! i am praying lets be strong!
Len Angel, Motueka , New Zealand
Classic.
A unarmed civilian guide with no armor who was used to open each of the doors? Sounds more like a shield than a guide.
Then the "Commando" was shot in the back by the terrorist while dragging the guide away?
Arm yourselves or the first responders will continue to be paramedics.
Bill, Sacramento, USA
We haven't heard too much from the Muslim community in the US. It's nice to see that some have good sense to call these acts the atrocities that they are.
Ed, New York, USA
sigmonde,
i think the US government should also give the poor guy some interest free loan to pay the fine . after all what does a few $ mean if you can give away billions right
viss, Stamford ,
> Give him a trial and if he is found guilty, fine him and get him some counseling.
Why doesn't US, on the same lines, fine all those in gauntanamo bay and then leave them and counsel them. This is the most silliest comment I have ever read. Terrorists donot deserve any place in this world.
Khan, Mumbai, India
President-elect Obama is not happy with these killings and may even make a public statement stating that he disapproves of the killing of innocent people. But he may not make a statement at this time until he receives his polling results. If the polls warrant a strong statement, Obama will make it
Alfred Hussein Neuman, NYC, USA
Let's hope they don't waterboard the terrorist who survived in an attempt to find out the truth. Give him a trial and if he is found guilty, fine him and get him some counseling. His mother must be all upset by this bad publicity and this should be considered when establishing the fine.
Sigmonde, Warrenville, USA
I was amazed to see this story on a UK website, whereas people in India are completely unaware of this.These terrorists use Kashmir as an excuse for such attacks to gain sympathy from muslims around the world whereas the fact is that Kashmir had a record voter turnout in the state elections of 2008.
Mohit , Bhopal, India
Muslims are also victims of this tragic event, because a small group of fundamentalist give the rest a bad name. The Muslim community should stand up to these terrorist and their organizers and sponsors in Pakistan and elsewhere. Stop killing innocent people which is against Islam.
Carla, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why doesn't the Indian Muslim community bury the offenders outside the gates of the graveyard and bury them NOT facing east, and bury them face down so they can't go to heaven.
Many Christian cemetaries have the tradition of burying the dead of criminals or suicide victims in unhallowed ground.
Sue, Anaheim, United States
Good..its nice to see that the ordinary Muslim is shocked and have taken this stance.. These terrorists don't have any country, no religion, no name and no honour.
kirk, Rotherham, UK
The President of India must act now to accord approval to capital punishment in the case related to the attack on Parliament lying pending with her to deter the terrorists & restore public confidence.
Mr Sharma, New Delhi, India