Man who works at the Trident went out on a limb to ensure guests lived to tell their tale
Man who works at the Trident went out on a limb to ensure guests lived to tell their tale
Charndrakant Sarnobat (41), a lifeguard at the Trident Hotel for over 20 years, remembers 26/11, not just for being synonymous with terror, but also doing his bit to help a human being in distress.
He saved the life of C M Puri, director, Central Bank of India and Michael R, a Canadian national, who were grievously injured by terrorists at the hotel.
Puri, a resident of Delhi, was at Trident to attend a board meeting. Walking towards the lobby, Puri heard the gunfire, but did not pay attention believing it be something else.
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Suddenly, he felt pain and a burning sensation around his hip and realised blood was oozing from a wound. He had been shot at.
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"He was in pain and terribly frightened. I took him to the locker area in the basement with some colleagues and offered him a glass of water," recalled Chandrakant.
His training as a lifeguard meant he knew the man was in mortal danger and risking his life, dragged him outside, and took him in a cab to Bombay Hospital.
Says Puri, "I would have been killed had I been left on the corridor. Chandrakant saved my life."
At the casualty ward, Chandrakant came across Michael, who had sustained multiple bullet wounds and was critical.
Chandrakant ensured Michael was considered as an emergency case and wheeled into the operating room.
Dr M Bhegani, senior surgeon at Bombay Hospital who operated on Puri, said, "Three bullets hit him. Any delay would have been fatal."
Since 26/11, Puri has visited the city thrice and despite doctors advising him not to, chose to stay at the Trident.u00a0 Puri confessed, "It was scary. I could not stay alone.
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Even now when I think of those people lying dead, screams for help, blood all over the white floor, I go into depression."
He added, "I was in touch with Chandrakant for a few months thereafter, but I have lost touch since. I wrote a note to the senior management of the Trident appreciating his brave act."u00a0
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