Terrorists take Mumbai hostage

MUMBAI (Agencies) - Terror struck India’s financial capital late on Wednesday night as coordinated serial explosions and indiscriminate firing rocked eight places across Mumbai including the crowded Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station, two five-star hotels - Oberoi and Taj, leaving at least 83 people dead and around 900 injured, officials said, according to Indian media.
Following coordinated blasts and shooting, the Indian Army and police commandos launched security operation in Mumbai.
Two five-star hotels were under siege and gunmen held 40 occupants, including foreigners, hostage. Fresh blasts were reported at the Taj.
Pakistani cricketers, including Kamran Akmal, were among the hostages but they were reported to be safe. Indian security officials claimed that almost 50 terrorists, including SEVEN women, have carried out terrorist attack in the city.
Two terrorists were still inside the Oberoi Hotel and commando operation was on. The anti-terror squad led by its chief Hemant Karkare entered Oberoi, while the RAF commandos were in action at the Taj.
“Gunmen wanted anyone with British or American passport,” said an eye-witness at the Taj said.
Karkare, who was conducting investigation into the activities of Hindu terrorists, was later killed in encounter inside the hotel, officials said.
Two terrorists were killed at Chaupatti in Mumbai, police said.
Deccan Mujahideen reported claimed responsibility for the attack.
Terrorists hijacked white police jeep near Metro cinema in South Mumbai. Firing was also reported near Maharashtra state assembly building in South Mumbai.
Armed with AK-47 rifles and grenades, a couple of terrorists entered the passenger hall of CST and opened fire and threw grenades, Mumbai General Railway Police Commissioner A K Sharma said.