Trigger Warning:  This story contains details of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, including violence and loss, which may be distressing for some readers.

On 26 November 2008, Mumbai faced one of the deadliest terror attacks in India’s history. Ten heavily armed terrorists launched a series of coordinated strikes across the city, leaving over 170 people dead and hundreds injured.

Amidst the chaos, individuals stepped forward in extraordinary ways — some risking their lives, others offering unwavering support and leadership. Their courage and sacrifices turned a dark chapter into a story of resilience. Here are five heroes whose actions continue to inspire.

1: Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan led Operation Black Tornado, a mission by the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guard to neutralise the terrorists. Displaying exceptional leadership, he ensured the safe evacuation of hostages, often putting himself in harm’s way.

His final recorded words, “Don’t come up, I’ll handle them,” truly reflect his selflessness. Major Unnikrishnan made the ultimate sacrifice while shielding his comrades and confronting the attackers. He was posthumously honoured with the Ashoka Chakra in 2009 for his extraordinary valour.

2: Tukaram Ombale At Girgaum Chowpatty, ASI Tukaram Ombale intercepted terrorists fleeing in a stolen car. Unarmed, he grabbed Ajmal Kasab’s AK-47, taking 40 bullets but holding on, enabling Kasab’s capture—the only terrorist caught alive during the 26/11 attacks.

Ombale’s sacrifice revealed critical intelligence about the 26/11 attacks’ planning and execution. His bravery was posthumously honoured with the Ashoka Chakra. Capturing Kasab alive proved to be pivotal in exposing the terror network and securing justice for the victims.

3: Ratan Tata While Ratan Tata, then chairman of the Tata Group, wasn’t on the frontlines, his role in the aftermath of the attack at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was pivotal. Tata, then 70, stood steadfast outside the hotel for three days, monitoring rescue operations hour by hour.

After the attack, Ratan Tata pledged to reopen the Taj Hotel and support the victims' families. He ensured salaries equivalent to what the deceased would have earned for life, visited victims' homes, and even founded the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust for disaster relief.

Nurse Anjali Kulthe was on duty at Mumbai’s Cama Hospital when the terrorists launched their attack. Amid the gunfire, she acted swiftly and moved 20 pregnant women and other people to a tiny pantry. She kept them hidden and protected for 12 harrowing hours, from 8 pm to 8 am

4: Anjali Kulthe

Amidst the chaos, Anjali even helped a woman in labour to deliver her baby, with doctors working under the dim glow of a small tubelight.

5: Vijay Salaskar Senior Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar was renowned for his expertise in encounter operations. On the fateful day of the attacks, he faced the terrorists head-on near Cama Hospital. Despite the overwhelming danger, he fought bravely to protect civilians.

Salaskar tragically lost his life during the encounter, with captured terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab later admitting responsibility for the killing. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra in January 2009.