Excerpt | Recalling Mumbai's Last Hostage Situation From 2008 - When A Gunman Took Over A Bus

On October 27, 2008, Mumbai was gripped by a tense hostage situation when a gunman hijacked a double-decker BEST bus, numbered 332, in Kurla around 10:30 AM. The incident unfolded rapidly, drawing immediate attention from law enforcement and the media. The hijacker, armed and dangerous, took control of the bus, which was filled with commuters, leading to fears of a possible terrorist attack reminiscent of the horrific events that had unfolded earlier that year during the 26/11 attacks. Authorities quickly mobilized, surrounding the bus and negotiating with the hijacker to ensure the safety of the hostages. The siege lasted for several hours, creating chaos in the city and highlighting the vulnerabilities in public transport security. Eventually, the situation was resolved without any casualties, but it served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by security agencies in urban settings. This incident remains one of the last notable hostage situations in Mumbai, reflecting the ongoing concerns about safety and security in a city that has endured its share of violence and terrorism. Such events have since prompted discussions on enhancing security measures, particularly in public transport systems, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.