Scare at Obama hotel; accidental firing by cop

MUMBAI: Authorities faced anxious moments when a gunshot was heard tonight outside the iconic Taj hotel where visiting US President Barack Obama has been put up.

According to Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal, the firing had occurred when one round from the pistol of Assistant Police Inspector S A Choudhry accidentally went off.

Dayal was injured in his leg and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, Dayal said.

Dayal said the incident happened beyond the outer security perimeter around the luxury hotel which has been put in place for Obama's visit to the country's financial capital on the first leg of his maiden visit to the country. The President leaves for New Delhi tomorrow afternoon.

The Police Commissioner said Choudhury was posted inside the hotel and the accidental firing occurred while he was returning from his duty.

Taj had borne the brunt of the carnage in November 2008 when ten terrorists from Pakistan entered Mumbai by the sea route. 166 persons were killed in the 60-hour siege of Mumbai.