'This year will be a true celebration'

Four years to the day Mumbai was attacked by terrorists, MiD DAY spoke to members of the police team who nabbed terrorist Ajmal Qasab alive

They had no special training, nor did they have any sophisticated weapons or bullet-proof vests to protect them. They were all regular policemen until the night of November 26 2008. It was merely their courage and conviction that turned them into heroes after they faced nabbed one of the terrorists alive.

While today marks the fourth anniversary of the 26/11 terror attack, it was teamwork that led to the capture of Ajmal Qasab, say police personnel. Police officials claimed that the night of the attack is still fresh in their minds and will never fade away from their memories. However, they said they were proud of the outcome and are prepared to tackle any such situation in the future.

Justice finally delivered: Ajmal Qasab was hanged at Yerawada jail in Pune on Wednesday. File pic

Inspector Sanjay Gowilkar, currently with the Protection and Security Branch, said, "After receiving the news of his hanging I rejoiced just like the rest of the nation. This decision has also established the transparency of the Indian judiciary, and we have sent a message that anybody who dares to attack us will face a stern nation." Gowilkar stopped his men from fatally wounding Qasab, in order to interrogate him later. "One of the bullets fired by Qasab hit me but I still ensured that he was caught alive. That decision allowed us to interrogate him and bring several truths in front of the world."

Assistant Police Inspector, Bhaskar Kadam said, "This year will be a true celebration in the memory of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attack. We will pay homage to the police officers who laid down their lives that night at the police gymkhana on the fourth anniversary."