Confusion over death toll in Mumbai's terror attack

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) What is the exact death toll in Mumbai's terror attack? There is considerable confusion about it as three different sets of figures are doing the rounds.

The toll stood at 173 including 26 foreigners, according to Maharashtra Disaster Management Cell director S.C. Mohanty.

But the ministry of external affairs says 179 people were killed. External affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee stated this in the Lok Sabha Thursday as MPs discussed the Nov 26 terror attacks.

While briefing a special session of the UN Security Council in New York Tuesday, Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed said: '179 persons, including 26 foreigners, lost their lives while 296 persons, including 22 foreigners suffered injuries in the attack, which was designed to kill and maim as many people as possible.'

However, Home Minister P. Chidambaram while making a suo moto statement in the Lok Sabha Thursday gave yet another figure.

'With deep regret, I have to report to this House that 164 persons (civilians and security personnel) lost their lives and 308 persons were injured. Among the civilians killed were 26 foreigners belonging to many nationalities. Besides, nine terrorists were killed in the operations by the security forces. One terrorist was overpowered and captured,' he said.