2 RPF officers who witnessed the 26/11 carnage at CST were at the same place, same time this year
2 RPF officers who witnessed the 26/11 carnage at CST were at the same place, same time this year
The same time, the same place, but a lot has changed for Railway Police Force (RPF) officers R K Suryavanshi and A N More, since November 26, last year.
The duo were on duty at CST last year and survived the bullets fired by Mohammed Ajmal Qasab and his associate Abu Ismail. Ironically, they were on duty at the CST station last night too.
However, they were not scared. They only looked resolved to take down any gunman who poses a threat to the city.
"We won't allow any terrorist to enter CST ever again and if anyone does dare, we will give them the right treatment, which they escaped last year," said Assistant Sub Inspector Suryavanshi.
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"I was on the office stairs when I heard the firing. I thought someone was bursting firecrackers to celebrate India's victory in the match against England, but soon realised that someone was firing bullets.
I came rushing down and saw a young boy shooting blindly on Platform No 13, but I could do little as I had no weapons," said Suryavanshi.
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"S K Sharma, a ticket collector, and M L Chaudhary, a constable, were hit by bullets in front of me.
I only watched, but if there is ever a next time I will teach them a lesson. I'm prepared to face any terrorist and I'm more alert than last time," he added.
His lathi has now been replaced with a .9mm pistol.
Standing by Suryavanshi was his colleague More. The two have only grown closer since 26/11, helping each other come to terms with the tragedy.
On the lookout
More said erasing memories of that fateful night has been difficult, but today there is no time to fret. With his eyes fixed at the platforms, More said, "When I entered the station at 9.30 pm I was looking out for a Qasab.
At 9.50 pm, I looked again and I kept looking. I'll make sure that no one like him enters the station again."
The anger over the loss of his colleagues hasn't died. "I miss my friends, who died in front of me. I rescued one of my colleagues, Feroz Khan, who had suffered bullet injuries, from the main hall. I then took him to the hospital.
I was not armed then, but today is a different story," added More.
Hang Qasab
The duo are only pained that Qasab has still not been taken to task. "As an individual as well as a policemen I feel Qasab should be hanged.
This will be the real tribute to those who lost their life in the mayhem," said Suryavanshi "There is no other punishment than death for Kasab," added More.
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