The 2008 Mumbai Bus Hostage Crisis: How Rahul Raj's Attack Preceded 26/11 Terror Attacks

Oct 31, 2025 12:06 pm CST

In October 2008, just one month before the devastating 26/11 attacks, Mumbai experienced a tense hostage situation when Rahul Raj from Bihar hijacked BEST bus number 332 in Kurla. Motivated by anti-North Indian sentiments propagated by Raj Thackeray's MNS party, the 25-year-old gunman held 12 passengers hostage before being killed in a controversial police encounter led by ACP Mohammed Javed. The incident sparked political tensions between Bihar and Maharashtra while foreshadowing the greater tragedy to come.