Mumbaikars all over the city continue to panic as terrorist strikes continue to rage in South Mumbai.
Earlier this afternoon, the Everest building in Tardeo was stormed by a mob of over 100 people, claiming that Bombay Central Station nearby was under siege.
An office-goer from Everest, on condition of anonymity, told rediff.com, "I was waiting for the elevator on the ground floor at about 1:30 pm when suddenly, I saw a mob of 150 or more people run into the compound and swarm into the building."
"There was total chaos, they were all shouting at once, but from the gist of things I gathered that something was up at Bombay Central Station and they were all running to safety. Some were shouting that terrorists were attacking the station, others were claiming that a bomb had gone off there."
"The security of the building were unable to contain the crowd; in fact, the doormen and liftmen who work there, upon seeing everyone clamour to get inside fled the scene."
"I had to take the stairs to get to my office and along the way encountered several groups of people anxiously standing around and discussing what to do next."
"It took about half an hour before everyone got to know that things were fine in that area and it is only then that the crowds began to disperse and leave. Several other employees who work in the building offices were, however, unnerved by what transpired and have already left for home."
Mumbai on its knees
Rumours seem to have brought Mumbai to its knees as regional language news channels started flashing reports about firing across Kalbadevi, Crawford, GT hospital.
Rajubhai Patel, who owns a textile shop at Crawford Market, said his wife had called him as soon she saw the reports and asked him to come home immediately.
Ragini Mehta, who works with HDFC Bank, said their office has been shut early today to avoid inconvenience to employees.
Shailesh Mehta, who owns a textile shop at Kalbadevi, said rumours have made their lives difficult as our kids are calling persistently and asking us to come home fast.
He said that there are rumours of six women in a white Maruti Omni firing indiscriminately at people at places like Kalbadevi.
"Normally they reach office at around 2.30 pm but today was a different day for them. They did reach at the usual time but left at 2.50 pm, he said.