Mumbai Remembers 26/11: CM Fadnavis Leads Tributes on 17th Anniversary of Terror Attacks

Solemn Commemoration at Police Headquarters

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led floral tributes at the Mumbai Police Headquarters, commemorating the 17th anniversary of the devastating 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The solemn ceremony honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice while confronting the terrorists. The tributes took place at the martyrs' memorial located within the premises of the Police Commissioner's Office in south Mumbai.

Chief Minister Fadnavis was joined by several other dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, state minister Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti. Family members of the police personnel who lost their lives during the attacks also attended, paying homage to their fallen heroes.

Remembering the 26/11 Horrors

The 2008 Mumbai attacks, often referred to as 26/11, were a series of 12 coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks carried out by 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. The attacks unfolded from November 26 to 29, 2008, claiming the lives of 166 people, including security personnel and foreign nationals, and injuring over 300 others. Key locations targeted across South Mumbai included the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, and Nariman House.

The coordinated strikes lasted nearly 60 hours, paralyzing India's financial hub and sending global shockwaves. Nine of the ten attackers were neutralized by security forces, while the sole surviving gunman, Ajmal Kasab, was captured, sentenced to death in 2010, and executed in 2012.

Nation's Resolve Against Terrorism

Beyond the main ceremony at the Police Headquarters, tributes were also paid at other significant locations that bore the brunt of the attacks. Homage was offered at CSMT, Cama and Albless Hospital, and at 'Prerana Sthal,' the statue of Assistant Sub Inspector Tukaram Ombale, who was martyred while capturing Ajmal Kasab alive. The National Security Guard (NSG) also organized a commemorative 'Neverever' memorial and pledge gathering at the Gateway of India, with the participation of victims' families and Mumbai citizens.

The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the courage displayed by the police force and the enduring resilience of Mumbai. Leaders reiterated India's unwavering commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms, emphasizing the need for global unity against such threats. The attacks prompted significant changes in India's counter-terrorism measures, including reforms in intelligence coordination, coastal surveillance, and rapid response capabilities.