Two luxury hotels in Mumbai have taken centre stage in terrorist attacks in the Indian city previously known as Bombay.
The five-star Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel and Oberi Trident hotels were attacked yesterday by a group of religious extremists reportedly targeting foreign tourists, especially British and American nationals.
The BBC reports that more than 100 people were killed in the attacks with many more injured.
A hostage situation at the Taj Mahal hotel has now come to a conclusion but terrorists are believed to still be in control of parts of the Oberoi Trident.
In a statement Oberoi said: “We all are deeply saddened by the tragic events in Mumbai. We are very concerned about the safety of our guests and staff at the hotel in Mumbai. Our thoughts are with their families.
“Despite all efforts we are unable to make contact with the persons inside the hotel. Therefore at present, we do not have more information than what is being relayed by the media. We will update you immediately on receiving confirmed information on further developments.”
On its website Taj Hotels said:
“Taj Hotels are monitoring the development of the unfortunate situation unfolding at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in South Mumbai and are fully cooperating with the police and the government authorities who are working towards the safety and security of all our guests and staff.
“That is all we can say at the moment and we would like to channel all our efforts and energy to ensure a speedy normalisation of the situation as best as we can.”
Mumbai’s railway station, a hospital and a restaurant popular with tourists were also hit in the co-ordinated attack. A group calling itself Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility.
Taj Hotels owns London’s Bombay Brasserie, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and closed this summer for refurbishment. In September Marriott’s luxury hotel in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad was bombed with the loss of least 50 lives.
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By Chris Druce
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