Mumbai rocked by terror attacks, 60 dead, 200 injured

MUMBAI: At least 60 persons were killed when terrorists struck with impunity in the country's financial capital tonight setting off coordinated multiple blasts and gunfire in a dozen areas across the metropolis including the crowded CST railway station and two five star hotels ��� Oberoi and Taj.

As indiscriminate firing and explosions at iconic landmarks showed no signs of easing since the first attack at Leopold restaurant in Colaba area at about 9.30 PM, Army moved in while 200 NSG commandoes were rushed to Mumbai from Delhi as terrorists did not even spare hospitals like GT and Cama where gunfire was reported. Police and eyewitnesses said AK-47s, rifles and hand grenades were used at will by an unspecified number of terrorists.

Around 60 bodies and over 200 persons were injured were brought at St George's Hospital, hospital sources said. There were reports that a foreigner and a policeman was among the killed. Additional CP Ashok Tamte was among the injured.

Two suspected terrorists escaping in a Skoda car were gunned down after an encounter with police in the Girgaum area. Several live bombs were also defused.

Police said terrorists were still holed up in Oberoi and Taj and commandoes entered the two luxury hotels and the encounter continued past midnight, nearly four hours after the luxury hotels were targetted. The two hotels were rocked by multiple blasts. There was at least two explosions in the dome of the Taj.

The lobby of the Oberoi hotel was ablaze. There were reports that there might be a hostage like situation. Scores of hotel guests were also evacuated. There were also reports that Marriot hotel in Juhu was also targeted.