26/11 night | Kasab | Unheard story of 26/11 Mumbai CST Attack | Ft. Devika Rotawan | True Crime

In this powerful and deeply emotional episode, Mantra sits down with Devika Rotawan — the youngest survivor and one of the most crucial eyewitnesses of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. At just 9 years old, she was shot at CST station and later became the youngest person to testify against Ajmal Kasab. Today, she shares her story with raw honesty, courage, and a strength that defines what true survival looks like. From the chaos inside CST station to the silence of hospital corridors, from the courtroom battle to the years of trauma that followed — Devika opens up about experiences most adults wouldn’t have the strength to relive. This episode goes beyond the headlines, capturing the human cost of terror through the eyes of a child who grew up too soon. Devika also reveals the lesser-known side of being a survivor — the lack of support, judgment from society, and the long-awaited government compensation. Toward the end, she shares her thoughts on other terror attacks like Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, reminding us why “don’t forgive, don’t forget” still stands true. This episode is not just an interview, it’s a reminder of resilience, justice, and the stories we must continue to remember. 00:00 - 01:04 - Highlight of the episode 01:04 - 01:58 - Mantra’s monologue on 26/11 01:58 - 06:15 — How terrorists entered CST & the situation that night 06:15 - 09:30 — What Devika’s day was like before the attack 09:30 - 10:36 — How other people at CST, TC, and police helped 10:36 - 11:40 — What happened after the firing stopped & how police rescued everyone at the station 11:40 - 12:25 — Situation at St. George hospital and doctors performing emergency operations 12:25 - 14:12 — Finding out Ajmal Kasab was arrested 14:12 - 14:51 — How police & doctors handled the crisis 14:51 - 15:45 — Devika’s perspective as a child & grownup 15:45 - 19:47 — Court testimony, police questioning & hesitation 19:47 - 21:58 — Devika’s testimony against Kasab 21:58 - 24:55 — Devika’s reaction on seeing Kasab in court 24:55 - 26:49 — Impact on Devika’s family 26:49 - 28:28 — Lack of family support 28:28 - 28:59 — School life & lack of support from schools 28:59 - 33:34 — Trauma counselling & help received 33:34 - 35:28 — Survivor’s experience and societal embarrassment 35:28 - 35:51 — “Don’t Forgive, Don’t Forget” 35:51 - 38:00 — Delay in government compensation 38:00 — Reflections on other attacks like Pahelgham and Operation Sindoor