3 who fought for lives sans bullets

“Then, I saw the militants. Though I did not have a bullet-proof jacket, I joined them along with the other commandoes. Later, the police officials asked me to inform their counterparts about the need to strengthen force behind Hall no 2 where the terrorists were hiding. I came out and informed the police.’’

* A volunteer of the Swaminarayan temple, Swami Parmeshwarji Maharaj laid down his life during Operation Flush-Out. Swami Vivekjiwan Swami said: ‘‘Soon after the NSG arrived, they demanded to see the temple. Swami Parmeshwarji volunteered. On seeing the NSG, the militants began firing and the Swami was hit by a bullet that had ricocheted off the wall. We are proud of him.’’

* Another such volunteer is businessman Bharat Bhavsar. ‘‘I entered the premises around 5 pm with my friend Girish Patel, when I got a message,” Bhavsar said. He entered Hall no 1 and began shifting the injured towards an ambulance outside.

‘‘Our intention was to save those trapped inside. We brought out nearly 15 people from Hall 1 and then, saw people lying in the open. I was there till the NSG arrived. And fearing that I might be hit, they asked me to leave. If I managed to save 15 others before dying, I would think it is a worthy sacrifice,” Bhavsar said.

SP Brahmbhatt confirmed Bhavsar’s presence at the media centre. ‘‘I saw him rescue the people trapped inside the centre.’’