NEW DELHI: Sixteen years have passed since the devastating Mumbai terror attack of 2008, an incident that continues to affect numerous survivors. Devika Rotawan , who survived the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and served as a key witness identifying terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the trial, experienced a life-altering change. Devika was only nine when she was caught in gunfire at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on November 26, 2008.
She sustained a bullet wound in her leg, which still causes her discomfort, particularly during winter. In a conversation with PTI on the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks , 25-year-old Devika expressed the indelible nature of that night's memories. "It's been 16 years, but I can still remember what I was doing, where I was going, and how the attack happened," she said.
She recounted travelling to Pune with her father and brother on November 26, 2008, to meet her elder sibling. "We had just arrived at CSMT from Bandra when a bomb blast occurred, followed by a barrage of gunfire. People of all ages were badly injured," she said.
Initially taken to St George's Hospital with other victims, Devika was subsequently moved to JJ Hospital due to the overwhelming situation. There, she underwent surgery for bullet removal. "I was unconscious for a while," she said, noting her recovery lasted over a month.
Post-discharge, Devika returned to Rajasthan, though the incident's impact persisted. When approached by Mumbai Crime Branch about testifying, .