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Jodha didn’t count how many bullets were fired at his body before the last one went through his bullet-proof jacket and nearly pierced his abdomen. So it was only when he was admitted to Bombay Hospital that the young man found out he had eight gunshot wounds and serious injuries from grenade blasts.
Recuperating in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), he says, “Just like any other day, we reported to work at 11 pm last Wednesday in Delhi. Within an hour we got instructions to head to Taj Mahal hotel and by 3 am we left for the operation,” says Jodha, who hails from Alwar, Rajasthan.
His brother-in-law Umendra Singh says Jodha called his wife before flying to Mumbai. “This could be my last call, I may not come back,” he had said.
Working in small teams in the rescue operation at Taj Mahal hotel, 14 NSG commandos entered the hotel from the roof after they received information that there were three suspected terrorists.
Jodha’s team first stormed the new Taj and then entered the old heritage building, where, on the fourth floor’s room number 471, they encountered the terrorists. “All the terrorists were dressed well and were clean shaven. It was very difficult to distinguish them from civilians,” recalls Jodha. “Before any communication, one started shooting. We heard the firing and fired back. The terrorists continuously fired shots. Major Sandeep was killed in the firing.”
Recuperating in the same ICU is Captain A K Singh, commissioned in 22 Fd Regiment on December 2003. He was badly wounded in his left eye during the operation at the Trident/Oberoi.
“A splinter entered his eye damaging the pupil and the retina. His left eye is completely damaged and surgeons had to perform enucleation (complete removal of the eye),” said Dr Ashish Tiwari, spokesperson for the hospital.
“We made him a commando with great difficulty,” says Amravati, Singh’s worried mother. “His father was a constable at the NSG headquarters till retirement. He volunteered for NSG and was permanently deputed there two years ago. He is the only breadwinner for the family.”
Flanked by her family members, Amravati, however, insists her son will return to the force. “Why not,” she asks. “I will send my son back to the war front. He will serve the nation again.”
Singh was on the 21st floor where his team was clearing floors downwards. After finding two bodies and evacuating 20 people as well as an injured NSG officer from the 19th floor followed by two foreigners on the 18th floor, Singh’s unit was attacked by terrorists from a room where they were holed up. The terrorists emerged, firing indiscriminately and throwing grenades, and escaped. Singh took the brunt of a splinter in his left eye, but continued fighting till he fell unconscious. Now, waiting by his side day and night is his long-time friend and fiancée to be. “We were supposed to get engaged this month,” says Dr Madhu Singh.
Jodha’s brother-in-law says one of the most challenging things for the family was that this operation, unlike those in places like Jammu, was on live television and his wife Renu, waiting at home, could watch the blow-by-blow coverage. “Before storming the Taj, he called Renu and bid her a final goodbye,” Umendra Singh says. “Then, when a bullet bounced off his chest, he asked for a cellphone and spoke to his three-year-old son. The child understood little, but he had one thing to say: Please come back, Papa.”
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I think as Mumbaikars we should organise some fund raising activities for our unsung heroes. To show our solidarity and pride in their exemplary action and most of all that we are sensitive to their sacrifices. Any suggestions .
Hat's off to all the NSG Commandos and people who sacrificed their life to save other's . Great job in saving everybody. My prayers are with all the families who lost their dear ones. Wish a speedy recovery and long life.
I salute
Dear Sir, Why are such jackets called 'bullet proof' when these can not stop a bullet shot. Such a jacket was the cause of the death of ATS chief late Hemant karkare. Cant we have jackets which really stop bullet shots even from close distance?
I salute these great heroes of Mother India. they truely deserve our appreciation, love, respect and above all the financial backing. I condemn the politicians who do care not a bit for these bravehearts and where are the corporate chiefs who shower all their money to dumb cricketers. Jai Hind.RP, Dallas, TX
These Jawans names be advertised frequently,so that people could remember them. I salute these real heros.
Hats off to our forces and great respect for their families who have such a large heart to send their soldier sons back to the battle field as soon as they recover. Its touching indeed to feel emotions of a father, a husband and a son, in a soldier who is out there fighting with the enemies of mankind. We all wish you a very speedy recovery. May GOD bless you with good health.
Jai Hind ...As long as india can produce heroes as such .....we will never go down ...
god bless alll of u.we r alive today because of u.
Great Spirit, Courage, and Determination.May each of us also have the similar quality to be used for Nation and Humanity.
Government must pay to the family of all the martyrs who has sacrificed their lives. The amount must not be less than fifty lacs, because after watching the thefamily conditions on TV, of some of constables
God Bless You !!
I very much respect the brave hearts of the NSG, Police, employees and others who stood against these terrorists. It was sad that the Government did nothing for their families specially for the families who lost near and dear ones and also who are battling for their lives etc. It also saddens me know that organisation and corporates and state governments who were so free with their Lahks and normally do PR by offereing huge amounts of money to the likes of Cricketers and other sportsmen have not bothered to even offer a penny to these great Heroes. I do hope that organisation, Film industry and others will organise events and give all the profits that make to these great guys which could motivate others to join the military Airforce, Navy police and NSG units. Guys you'll be my Heroes forever and every Indian is proud of you'll Jai Hind
Its really give a thought to me..why dont I join NSG to serve my nation?? Bleddy blasters killed great persons in this attack.. I couldnt control my emotions...I have to shoot those terrorist..PM
Also every Indian should have at least 1 gun. The reason is that Pakistan isn't able to attack us directly so it has initiated such indirect war against India. Even today many trained terrorists are still living in India (with sophisticated weapons in their homes). So in future, when India will attack on Pakistan then in that case, it will be easy for Pakistan to win the war b/c many terrorists may be in India supporting Pakistan... In that case, if we all Indian have at least 1 gun then we will be able to shoot them. May be this doesn't sound good to you but IF WE WANT CHANGE, WE NEED TO CHANGE. Need to do it before it is too late... Jai Hind
Can anybody help calculate the cost of 1000 sets of BEST head to toe commondo suits which are completely secured and have all the latest technological gadgets, night googles, thermal sensors, even bullet proof helments with face glass, including carry BEST arms, guns and ammunition. The BEST in the world(nothing less whatever the cost), I would assume to cost @Rs.200 crores. Can we channelise all the rage and energy to procure and hand over the commondo suits to NSG within 30 days from today. It is futile to expect this from government(as futile as the demand of 20 terrorist). If the public, Gateway of India rallies, Corporates, Media campaign can pull this off in 30 days, that would be the biggest tribute to the martyrs. This is the only objective thing which can save many more lives. I am sure terrorist would not dare any adventrue. And next year if you still want to keep the terrorist away, upgrade their suits/kits.
Dear Amar Jawans of India-- I salute you all. You are the real patriots of the soil, our Mother India. One small request.........while sacrificing your life, just remember one thing. The politics being played by our leaders are so worst, it only invites and make your life-time restless and risky. For tensions created by our leaders due to carelessness, political reasons and showing no justice to their duty, will it be worth enough to put your life in danger? Every Indian pays more than 50% of his hard earned income for country's security, our leaders play highly lucrative business not at all caring for our country. Please abstain putting your life under risk / threat under such situation. Then you will ask about our public.... our common man should also understand the very fact that democracy of India is not a joke and it should be justifying with what is being played by Leaders now.
1000 Salutes to Sunil Kumar Jodha...!!! Long live Sunil Kumar Jodha...!! We are proud to have such braves in our defense. Afsos... NSG could have gunned down them all if they could have (1) Night vision goggles (2) Thermal Sensor equipment (by which they can find where those evils are hiding) - Again our security personnel lacking vital equipments... They even don't have map of Taj before entering into Taj, even though they did their job without major casualties from NSG side... Really good job. Me and other youth in my area have organized an appreciation / welcome programs for all the braves (including the 2 constables who fought bravely at CST terminal those 9 constables too), will donate them all the collected money and presents for them / their family members, will represent cultural program and take pictures with them. --- Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil me hai... Dekhna hai jor kitan bazua katil me hai. --- Jai Jawan... Jai Hind
It is heartening to read this artidle. I am like many Indians are proud that we have Jawans like Jodha. Congratulations Jodha and keep up the good work. Whole of India is praying for you and you will come out in tri colour. Wishing you a very speedy recovery. God bless you and your family.
Capt AK Singh of the NSG was one of those sent to Mumbai and was launched straight into operations in the Oberoi Hotel. He was the only officer to be injured in the complete operation (other than Unnikrishnan - who is no more) He was operated upon in a hospital in Mumbai and all splinters removed from his body -- less one. That splinter had pierced the left eye and destroyed it completely. It cannot even be replaced with a donor eye. No news, no media coverage, not even a mention in the press statements.4. The officer is now alone, in 'Bombay Hospital' with the left eye still bleeding and the NSG people have all gone back to Delhi. There is nobody from the NSG to console him. His parents don't know who to turn to for help.
Oh... This is really wrong thing happening. Sad to hear that. This is what we - as people of India - need to change. We need to change the system, the wrong way few dirty politicians are taking India to. I think AK Singh's family should go to any Newspaper / media's office and bring this thing into focus.
The reading of happenings really make feeling that there is no word with us to loud the service, devotion, love for the nation and courage and suicidal attitude keeps in NSG personnel which they trained after vigorous course of training. It is really heartening to read these stories about somany young military men serving in NSG are devoted for the nation. We feel proud for them as well as sometimes think that we are not doing anything for the country, but enjoying by 9 to 5 office and gossiping on unwanted subjects on many occasions.I want to express my sincere prayer for the betterment of those who have survived in the terrorist attack as well as who fought for the good cause against terrorists.
Great Job!! Words cant accept gratitude to you soldiers dear, Well said Farzana.
Really hair raising and heart tearing ..... Jai Jawan...Jai NSG....We should never forget the service they give....
We are very proud of you Mr Lodha.I could only say that we are with you.I am concerned about you and your family.
you have done a wonderful job... we r proud of u... thanks for saving those hundreds of lives.