26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: Former Bank Director, Shot 3 Times at Oberoi, Recalls Horror
Upon hearing about the terror attack, Mohan, injured and losing vision, urgently called up his colleagues with whom he was scheduled to meet, warning them to flee the hotel and seek safety immediately
For India, ‘November 26, 2008′ is a date that brings back vivid memories of terror. During the Mumbai terrorist attack, former director of Central Bank of India Chander Mohan displayed extraordinary courage. Despite being shot by three AK-47 bullets and bleeding profusely, he prioritised the safety of others, saving the lives of his fellow directors and other individuals.
In an interview with Local 18, Chander Mohan shared his experience, stating that the date of ‘November 26, 2008’ remains etched in his memory. As November approaches each year, the events of that night resurface in his mind.
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Mohan recounted that on November 26, 2008, he was in Mumbai for a Central Bank board meeting. He and two other directors were staying at the Oberoi Hotel. The three had arranged to meet for dinner at 9:30 pm.
As he made his way to the lift from his room, he heard what sounded like gunshots. Initially, he dismissed it as celebratory firecrackers, assuming India had won a match. However, upon exiting the lift, he was struck by three bullets in quick succession. Realising the gravity of the situation, he felt his back, finding his hands covered in blood.
Mohan was unsure what had transpired. He decided to return to his room. As he approached the lift, a housekeeping staff member noticed his distress and gestured for him to come closer. It was then that he was informed about the terrorist attack.
Upon learning about the attack, Mohan’s immediate concern was for his colleagues who were waiting for him for dinner, unaware of the danger they were in. Despite his injuries and fading vision, he knew he had to act quickly to save them.
He immediately called his colleagues, urging them to flee the hotel. He informed them about the attack and pleaded with them to leave immediately and asked them to seek safety. The hotel staff then transported Mohan to Mumbai Hospital via an alternate route.
Mohan shared that during this time he felt an overwhelming need to contact his family. He called his younger son and a friend in Chennai, informing them about the situation but assuring them that he would be alright.
Upon arriving at Mumbai Hospital, he was met with a scene of chaos. People were screaming, shouting about the attacks on the Taj and Oberoi hotels, and ambulance sirens wailed in the background. He was helped out of the taxi and taken inside the hospital. Thankfully, a doctor promptly attended to him and initiated treatment. He then lost consciousness. He later learned that Dr. Mam Begani, a senior surgeon at Bombay Hospital, had operated on him.
Chander Mohan expressed his desire to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, proposing that November 26 be observed as ‘Sankalp Diwas’ (Resolution Day) for a terrorism-free India. He believes this would serve as a tribute to all those who lost their lives in the 26/11 attacks and as a commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country.
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