Who Is Anjali Kulthe? The 26/11 Hero Nurse Who Saved 20 Mothers And Identified Kasab

Welcome to Herstory, where you will read about the amazing women who have broken barriers and changed the world for the better.

In times of relentless terror, it is only then that the real bravery of human beings comes forth. In the Mumbai terror attacks, which took place on November 26, 2008, a staff nurse at the Cama & Albless Hospital, Anjali Kulthe, showed her brave side. Under the constant firing of bullets and explosions of grenades, she managed to get 20 pregnant women out safely and fearlessly testified in the court for the identification of terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

Who Is Anjali Kulthe? Know The 26/11 Hero Nurse’s Story

At the time of the attacks, in which several terrorists in full gear raided the Cama & Albless Hospital in South Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008, Anjali Kulthe was serving as a staff nurse in the said hospital. She did not allow herself to be overwhelmed by fear, wearing the nurses’ uniform that she takes pride in wearing as a symbol of her professional life.

How Anjali Kulthe Saved 20 Pregnant Women During The Mumbai Attacks

The iron gates were shut and locked in an attempt to hide the patients from the terrorists. The women were shifted into a small, dark pantry room deep within the maternity ward to provide them protection from stray bullets and shrapnel.

As the hours passed, a pregnant lady went into labour. Kulthe delivered the baby girl inside the pantry even though there was no proper medical equipment available. The terrified ladies were held quiet for hours on end so as not to reveal their presence to the terrorists lurking around the hallways.

ALSO READ- Who Is Chami Murmu? The Jharkhand Woman Who Changed Farming And Empowered Thousands

Anjali Kulthe’s Role In Identifying Ajmal Kasab

When these attacks occurred, Anjali had gotten a firsthand view of terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Ismail Khan firing at the hospital guards. Even in such an extremely dangerous situation and with her own safety as well as that of her family at risk, Kulthe emerged as an important witness for the prosecution.

She appeared in the courtroom, met the eyes of Ajmal Kasab, and identified him as one of the gunmen who were responsible for the attack on Cama Hospital.

A few years down the line, she appeared before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to speak about the price paid by mankind due to terrorism.

What Happened At Cama Hospital During The 26/11 Attacks?

During the attack that took place on that night, the two terrorists, Ajmal Kasab and Ismail Khan,n stormed into the hospital premises armed with AK-47 assault rifles. Realising the immediate danger, Kulthe quickly informed her ward staff and locked all heavy doors to prevent entry of the attackers.

Even after the blocking of the entrance, the terrorists started throwing hand grenades and firing several shots at the door of the maternity ward. Without losing calm, Kulthe moved the terrified 20 pregnant women inside a windowless pantry room to protect them from injuries.

Amidst the firing taking place outside, one of the women went into labour pains. Kulthe showed remarkable courage in delivering the child successfully in total darkness and isolation without making any noise.

After the attack, when the authorities were looking for eyewitnesses who could identify the lone survivor among the terrorists, Kulthe did not hesitate to come forward. She bravely stood in court and identified Ajmal Kasab and thus played an important role in getting him convicted.

ALSO READ- Who Is Sharmila Dhankar? Meet India’s First Commonwealth Games Para Athletics Gold Medallist

Conclusion

In Anjali Kulthe, we see the very embodiment of the qualities of selflessness, professionalism, and patriotism. It was through her timely thinking that 20 women and their yet-to-be-born babies were saved from a fiery death, and through her courageous appearance in court that justice was served to a distraught nation.

Image credits: Instagram

To read more such stories, stay connected to Her Zindagi.