Actor Randeep Hooda marked the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks by sharing a powerful tribute on social media. Posting a solemn collage featuring the faces of brave officers who lost their lives during the 2008 siege, Hooda wrote, “26/11 – a painful reminder of the cost of terror and the strength of our nation. Remembering every innocent life lost and saluting the courage of our forces who stood between us and darkness. India will never forget.”
His message revisits one of India’s darkest nights, when 10 heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists unleashed coordinated attacks across Mumbai. The horrific 60-hour siege cost 166 lives (excluding the attackers) and left over 300 injured, striking locations such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, CST railway station, Café Leopold, Nariman House, and the Oberoi Trident.
The poster Hooda shared honors 20 martyred officers, including decorated heroes like Anti-Terrorism Squad Chief Hemant Karkare, NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte, and Senior Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar. Their sacrifices, made while battling the militants at close range, remain etched in the nation’s collective memory.
The tragedy brought to light several gaps in India’s emergency response and intelligence coordination. In the years since, the government has implemented sweeping changes, including forming rapid intervention units, strengthening intelligence-sharing networks, and improving coastal security.
Randeep Hooda’s heartfelt message aligns with the sentiments of millions who pause each year to honor the victims and salute the courage of the security forces. His tribute echoes the enduring promise: India will never forget.