New Delhi: A railway announcer who helped hundreds to escape the terrorist assault on the Chhattrapati Shivaji terminus and a Railway Police Force (RPF) trooper who fought the gunmen got Saturday Rs.10 lakhs (Rs.1 million) each from Railway Minister Lalu Prasad for their bravery.
Announcer Vishnu Dattaram Zende and RPF head constable Jullu Yadav got a standing ovation as they came forward to receive the cheques from the minister who warmly shook hands with them. The minister also gave away a cheque for similar amount to the family of another RPF head constable, M. N. Choudhry, who was killed by the terrorists at the crowded station. Three other railway security personnel who were injured received Rs.50,000 each.
Two terrorists entered the Chhattrapati Shivaji terminus, one of the busiest railway stations in India, and opened indiscriminate fire killing 58 people and wounding 95 on the evening of Nov 26. They were among the 10 terrorists who India says came from Pakistan and landed on the Mumbai coast. They took over two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre. The mayhem ended Nov 29 leaving over 170 people dead. When the firing began at the railway terminus, announcer Zhende urged people over loudhailers to hurriedly leave the station. Hundreds did - and thus saved themselves.
