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This article was first published 14 years ago

26/11: When Mumbai forgot a hero

Last updated on: November 27, 2009 15:43 IST

Image: A portrait of Tukaram Omble at the spot where he lost his life
Photographs: Uttam Ghosh Harish Kotian in Mumbai
Has Tukaram Omble already been forgotten? Harish Kotian located the spot where the brave police officer laid down his life, almost isolated during the anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks.

Hero today, forgotten tomorrow! That seems to be the case with Assistant Sub Inspector Tukaram Gopal Omble who helped capture terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the last year Mumbai terror attacks. Omble lost his life in the scuffle. 

At a homage function for Omble in Mumbai on Thursday, mediapersons and politicians were conspicuous by their absence as most of them were seen jostling at plush spots like the Taj, Trident Hotel and Cafe Leopold. The place where Omble gave his life wore a deserted look in comparison. Only a handful of people were there -- mostly comprising relatives and ex-colleagues.

When Mumbai forgot the real hero

Image: Family pays floral tributes
Photographs: Uttam Ghosh

On that dreaded night, Omble, 48, helped nab Kasab despite being felled by a hail of bullets.

Armed with only a baton, Omble pounced on Kasab and did not let him escape at the police barricade at the Girgaon Chowpatty. The brave officer tried to disarm the terrorist by grabbing his gun. Kasab fired, but Omble was firm, enabling other policemen to overpower him.

Looking back, that was no ordinary feat. If it was not for Omble's courage, India would not have had the sole terrorist alive -- the only source of information about the audacious terror attack in the country's history.

'I am alive because of his bravery'

Image: Omble's family pays homage
Photographs: Uttam Ghosh

The nation may have forgotten, but the family did not -- and can't. Omble's wife Tarabai and daughters came to Chowpatty, the same spot where Omble was killed. Inspector Sanjay Govilkar, who was then with Omble during the incident, said his act of bravery saved every other policeman then.

"I must say that today I am alive because of his act of bravery. He was a fearless policeman and we are very proud of what he has done. Thanks to his bravery, Kasab was caught alive," Govilkar said.

'Hang Kasab immediately'

Image: Kasab is hanged in effigy
Photographs: Uttam Ghosh

The function -- organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party -- urged the government to hang Kasab, instead of wasting crores of rupees on his security upkeep.

"It has been a year since Omble died, but his family cannot rest in peace because his killer is still alive. Worse, he is being provided with biryani in the jail. Kasab should be hanged immediately. That is what every Mumbaikar wants," said a local leader.

Candles flutter in memory

Image: Children light up candles in memory
Photographs: Uttam Ghosh
The Mumbai Catholic Samaj lit candles and held banners along the Chowpatty Road at Marine Drive in memory of the terror victims.
 
"Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and that is what we want to show," said a member.