She faced Kasab at 9, got medals but no support: Harsh Goenka asks - Is this patriotism?

RPG Group Chief Harsh Goenka has highlighted the harsh reality faced by Devika Rotawan, the young survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks who bravely testified against Ajmal Kasab, calling into question India’s treatment of its heroes.

In a tweet on X, Goenka said, “At 9, she faced bullets in the 26/11 attacks. She looked Kasab in the eye and testified, sending a terrorist to the gallows. What did Devika Rotawan get in return? No job. No support. No home for years. Just stage invites, photo-ops, and medals. As Devika says: ‘Awards don’t fill empty stomachs.’ If this is how we treat our bravest, what does patriotism even mean?”



Devika’s story is one of courage and resilience. On the night of November 26, 2008, then just nine years old, she was caught in the crossfire at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), where terrorists opened fire on passengers. She was shot in the leg but survived. Her testimony was pivotal in identifying Kasab, the lone surviving attacker, during his trial — leading to his conviction and execution in 2012.

Now 25, Devika welcomed the recent extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the attacks, from the United States. Calling it a “big win for India,” she urged authorities to continue probing and expose all conspirators still believed to be in Pakistan.

“This is the beginning of the end of terrorism in India,” she said, demanding capital punishment for Rana and strict action against those supporting terror activities from Pakistan.

The 26/11 attacks killed 166 people, including several foreign nationals, and marked one of India’s darkest terror episodes. Survivors like Devika, who stood up against terror even as children, remain critical witnesses in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Goenka’s tweet has reignited public debate on how India honors its civilian heroes — calling for concrete action beyond medals and photo ops.