26/11 hero gets city police reward

Two years after the 26/11 terror attacks, one of the heroes of the tragedy has finally received his due. On Monday, he got a certificate of appreciation from the Mumbai Police.

61-year-old Ganpat Kunder, who was in the vicinity of the Taj on November 26, 2008, saw two policemen in a burnt and unconscious state outside the hotel. He rushed the two inspectors, Deepak Dhole and Nitin Kakre, to Bombay Hospital.

He returned to the Taj and led marine commandos to the front room entrance of the hotel, as he was well-versed with the hotel’s layout. He also helped the fire brigade in rescue operations and allowed his own vehicles to be used as ambulances to ferry the victims. He returned to the spot the next day and helped the marine commandos, the police and firemen in rescuing more people.

On receiving the certificate, he said, “Though it comes two years late, I am happy that my contribution was recognised on my 61st birthday.” He appealed to civilians to cooperate in speeding up police operations in such sensitive times. Kunder also helped the Rapid Action Force in its operations during the 1993 riots.