26/11 Hero Hemant Bavdhankar Reflects on Attack Day, Calls Tahawwur Rana's Extradition a Major Victory

Synopsis

Retired Mumbai Police Inspector Hemant Bavdhankar, who captured Kasab during the 26/11 attacks, praised the extradition of Tahawwur Rana from the US as a significant achievement for India. He emphasized the need for justice and criticized Pakistan's involvement in the attacks, while also reflecting on his experiences during that tragic day.

Key Takeaways

Hemant Bavdhankar welcomes Tahawwur Rana's extradition.
Significant achievement for India and NIA.
Calls for Rana to face trial in India.
Criticism of Pakistan's role in 26/11.
Remembers the bravery of his team during the attacks.

New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) Retired Inspector Hemant Bavdhankar of the Mumbai Police, who played a pivotal role in apprehending Kasab during the 26/11 terror attacks, has expressed his support for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana from the United States. He described this event as a significant milestone for India and lauded the NIA for their accomplishment.

In an interview with IANS, Bavdhankar stated, "We presented our case in the U.S. Supreme Court for Rana's extradition, and the court accepted it. Following our arguments, the court ordered Rana's transfer to India."

"Every Indian desires that Rana faces trial here and receives the most severe punishment. This would fulfill the aspirations of our citizens, who wish for him to be prosecuted in an Indian courtroom and receive a strict sentence..." he added.

Criticizing Pakistan, Bavdhankar remarked, "The 26/11 Mumbai attacks revealed Pakistan's culpability. The terrorist organization LeT and the ISI orchestrated the attacks. I hope that the other perpetrators are brought to justice."

Reflecting on the tragic day of 26/11, he recounted how he and his 15 colleagues, including Tukaram Omble and Bhaskar Kadam, confronted the terrorists.

Bavdhankar recalled, "I was on the front line with Bhaskar Kadam. When we requested the terrorists to surrender, they opened fire on us, and we retaliated. I shot at Abu Ismail. Kasab exited the vehicle, and Tukaram Omble, who was behind a barricade, emerged to apprehend Kasab. Despite being fired upon with an AK-47 by Kasab, Omble maintained his grip on him."

He emphasized Omble's sacrifice, stating: "Had Omble released Kasab, we all could have been martyred."

Regarding his retirement as a senior police inspector without receiving a promised promotion from the then MVA government to the heroes of the attack, Bavdhankar said it is not of great concern; what matters is to commend the NIA team.

A specialized interrogation team from the NIA is set to question Tahawwur Rana, the principal suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, shortly after his arrival in India.