Cama Hospital Siege During the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks: A Deep Dive

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on 26 November 2008 were launched by ten terrorists who arrived from Karachi by sea. While the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, CST railway station, Nariman House and the Oberoi-Trident Hotel dominate public memory, a lesser-known assault unfolded at Cama and Albless Hospital, where gunmen engaged staff and patients.

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At about 9:30 pm on 26 November staff received a warning that the CST attackers were moving toward Cama Hospital. By 10:00 pm doors were locked, lights off, and the building was darkened. Terrorists roamed the facility from 10:30 pm to 11:30 pm, moving through sections, reaching higher floors and firing while throwing grenades. Senior officers Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar arrived around midnight and were ambushed and killed. The siege lasted nearly five hours, ending early on 27 November when the gunmen fled in a hijacked police vehicle.

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The hospital housed over 150 patients and roughly 15 nurses, including night-shift nurse Anjali Kulthe. Twenty pregnant women were under her care. Two security guards and one hospital employee were killed during the attack. Three senior police officers—Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salaskar—died in the ambush. Terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail Khan were involved; Khan was killed, Kasab captured alive after the five-hour siege.

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Nurse Anjali Kulthe secured the maternity ward, moved 20 pregnant women into a small pantry, turned off lights and silenced mobile phones, and kept the group hidden as gunfire and grenades echoed outside. When a high-risk hypertensive patient entered labour, Kulthe escorted her via the staircase and assisted in delivering the baby. Weeks later she helped police identify Ajmal Kasab, recalling his laughter.

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The film Bharat Bhhagya Vidhhaata, directed by Manoj Tapadia, frames the Cama Hospital episode as its central narrative. Kangana Ranaut portrays a nurse modeled on Anjali Kulthe, emphasizing the collective effort of staff to protect patients. The creators state the movie seeks to bring this overlooked bravery to a wider audience.

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• "He laughed and said, 'Madam, you identified me just right. I am indeed Ajmal Kasab." — Anjali Kulthe, Nurse

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• "Not a single one of us who worked at the hospital — doctors, nurses or other staff — will ever forget that night." — Anjali Kulthe, Nurse

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Patient and staff numbers are given only as “more than 150” and “around 15,” lacking precise counts. Only Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail Khan are named among the attackers; the full composition of the gunmen team remains unclear. Official police statements are not quoted.

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The incident highlights medical staff’s role in civilian emergencies and expands the public narrative of 26/11 beyond well-known sites. Showcasing Anjali Kulthe’s actions underscores the need for emergency preparedness in hospitals and recognition of frontline caregivers.

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The film aims to raise awareness of the Cama Hospital episode and spark dialogue on protecting medical facilities during attacks.

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