A brutal terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s scenic Pahalgam region on Tuesday has shaken the country, claiming the lives of 26 individuals, including tourists and a local intelligence officer. Among those killed were four residents of Maharashtra — Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi, and Sanjay Lele from Thane’s Dombivli, and Dilip Desale from Panvel in Navi Mumbai.
Attackers Dressed as Police Fired Indiscriminately
According to officials, the ambush occurred in the afternoon when terrorists allegedly disguised in police uniforms opened fire on tourists visiting the popular meadow. Witnesses said over 50 rounds were fired. Disturbingly, it is reported that the gunmen asked victims their names and religious identity before shooting. The Resistance Front (TRF), a known terror outfit, has claimed responsibility for the strike.
Families Shattered, Survivors Safe
Atul Mone, a section engineer at the Central Railway workshop in Parel, was holidaying with his wife and daughter. They lived in Thakurwadi, Dombivli West. Dombivli residents Sanjay Lele and Hemant Joshi, from Pandurangwadi and Nandivali respectively, were also vacationing with their families. Though their families survived, the three men tragically lost their lives.
Five Tourists Injured in Attack
The attack also injured five tourists from Maharashtra: S Bhalchandru, Subodh Patil, Shobhit Patel, Santosh Jagdale, and Kaustubh Ganbote. As reported by ABP Majha, all five are in stable condition. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that families from Pune were among those caught in the firing. “Two tourists, Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, were injured. Both are currently undergoing treatment, while their accompanying family members are safe,” he said.
CM Fadnavis Condemns Attack, Govt Offers Support
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, and Divisional Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryavanshi, is closely monitoring the situation. “I strongly condemn this cowardly terrorist attack. My heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said CM Fadnavis. He added that he is in constant touch with Jammu & Kashmir officials, including Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.
Help Desks and Emergency Lines Activated
Authorities have activated emergency helplines (9372338827 / 7304673105) and set up 24×7 help desks in Srinagar and the district headquarters to aid affected families. Meanwhile, the district disaster management authority has urged citizens to report if any acquaintances or relatives were present at the attack site. With the Valley under high alert, a large-scale security operation is underway.
