Reporting live from Colaba.
21:40hrs
Outside Hotel Taj
Walking down my usual route for a post-dinner smoke, I encounter a group of panicked looking people standing at the junction in front of the hotel. Then, a wave of people ran out, fanning away from the hotel's main entrance. This exodus is followed by several rounds of gunfire.
21:50hrs
Colaba Market
Out of breath, trying to get home as fast as I can, I clamber across the gate of the condominium that I stay. Another similar incident follows. Six, closely spaced reports, louder, more disturbing than the earlier ones. Then, rapid gunfire. This was a small machine gun. Had to be. Followed by a booming explosion.
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It's not a safe time to be outdoors. Wherever you are, whoever you are. If you are reading this, then take grave notice of it.
If you know anyone, anywhere in Mumbai, call them up right now. Contrary to news reports, cell phone networks are functioning. Call your friends, tell them to stay indoors. Offices, homes, brothels- doesn't matter. Stay indoors.
If you see anything worth reporting, call the police directly. Don't believe everything you watch in the news. Don't trust anything. Not even a police van.
Don't panic. Don't go berserk. Stay home and ask everyone you know to do just that. You'll be just fine.
Don't step out.
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PS: Don't waste your time commenting on this. Warn people.
