Police have stormed the Sydney cafe where a gunman has been holding an unknown number of people hostage for more than 14 hours. At least six suspected hostages were seen running from the scene of the siege. Police have identified the hostage-taker at the center to a tense siege in a central Sydney cafe as Iranian Man Haron Monis. The incident begun at 10:00 a.m. local time and is now entering its second day. The area is surrounded by armed police and officials said they are in contact with the gunman. The siege has caused disruption in the central business district of the Australian city and police have confirmed that a total of five people have run free from the building.
Indian IT major Infosys has confirmed that one of it's employee is among those being held hostage by an unidentified armed man who stormed a downtown Cafe in Sydney, Australia. The Infosys, in a statement said, the employee's family has been informed about it. Besides, the government has said that all Indian staffers at the Consulate are safe. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Indian High Commissioner in Canberra and she was informed that the government staff in Sydney Consulate building has been evacuated as a preventive step.
The Consulate is located about 300 to 400 metres from where the incident took place. The Lindt cafe in the city centre is surrounded by armed police. Officers have made contact with the gunman. It is not clear how many remain inside. A black flag has been displayed at the window. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it was profoundly shocking that people were being held hostage by an armed person. He was speaking after chairing a meeting of the national security committee in Canberra. The incident began as people were arriving for work in Martin Place today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over Sydney cafe siege incident. In a message, Mr Modi said, the incident is disturbing and the act is inhuman and deeply unfortunate. Mr. Modi prayed for everyone's safety.
Over 40 Australian muslim groups today expressed utter shock and horror over the siege at a popular cafe in Sydney in which a number of people have been taken hostage including an Indian techie. In a statement, they said that they reject any attempt to take the life of any innocent human being or to instill fear and terror into their hearts. They further said, this is a time for all Australians to stand together and support each other.
Meanwhile, Security around Indian cricketers has been beefed up in Brisbane owing to the hostage crisis in Sydney with the BCCI keeping a close watch on the unfolding events there. BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel told agencies that are constantly in touch with Cricket Australia top bosses and are monitoring the situation closely to ensure security of Indian players. He also said that the security of the Indian team has been beefed up considerably.
