Ready for the president

Vishnu Zhende,the train schedule announcer whose presence of mind helped save the lives of many commuters at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Vishnu Zhende,the train schedule announcer whose presence of mind helped save the lives of many commuters at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) on 26/11,and Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Jillu Yadav,who opened fire at terrorist Ajmal Kasab,may be among those who may get an invite to a memorial function,on November 6,at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower,for victims of the terror attacks.

The event is likely to be the first on the Mumbai itinerary of US President Barack Obama after he lands in Mumbai.

According to sources,the American Consulate had contacted the Central Railway asking for details of Zhende and Yadav. While they themselves refused to confirm it,CR officials said General Manager Kul Bhushan had summoned the two on Monday afternoon.

They were told to keep themselves free of other engagements during the Presidents visit to Mumbai. There is a high possibility that the duo could get invitations, said a CR official,who requested anonymity.

Zhende,who was posted at CST when Ajmal Kasab and Ismail Khan attacked the station on 26/11,had used the public address system in the railway announcers cabin to urge commuters to exit the station along Platform Number 1,when the attack had begun at the other end. This reduced casualties considerably. The terrorists had even shot at the announcement room from where Zhende was working,but he ducked and was saved.

Yadav had shot at Kasab with a .303 rifle even as some other RPF and GRP fled. Among the 62 people killed at CST were three railway personnel and two GRP personnel. Kasab was captured alive shortly and Ismail Khan died in an encounter with police.

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