The stunning Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, often described as “heaven on earth,” now lies eerily deserted following the horrifying terror attack on April 22, 2025. What was once buzzing with tourists and honeymooning couples has now been transformed into a tightly guarded zone, patrolled by heavily armed security personnel.
Amid this tense atmosphere, a critical breakthrough in the investigation has emerged. A local photographer, who witnessed the entire Pahalgam attack firsthand, has become a crucial witness for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Known for filming reels and honeymoon videos for visiting tourists, this brave individual was present in the valley at the time of the shooting and managed to record the entire assault while hiding.
Eyewitness Captures Horror While Hiding in a Tree
To escape the gunmen, the photographer climbed a tree and covertly filmed the entire terrorist ambush from above. His footage reportedly includes not only the terrifying attack but also clear visuals of the assailants, their movements, and the panic that followed.
Due to security concerns, the police have not released his identity, but officials have confirmed that he has become an “important witness” in the case.
NIA Takes Over as Investigation Deepens
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the NIA to take over the probe. The footage captured by the photographer has provided a major breakthrough, giving investigators critical evidence regarding the attackers’ identity, their strategy, and how they executed the brutal assault.
How the Attack Was Carried Out
Investigators revealed that the terrorists crossed the dense Kokernag forests over a span of 20 to 22 hours and infiltrated the valley through the area behind local shops. Once in Baisaran, they opened fire on unsuspecting tourists, reportedly forcing them to recite the Kalma before shooting four people at point-blank range.
As chaos unfolded, the terrorists looted two mobile phones and fled. The deadly ambush resulted in the killing of 26 tourists, sending shockwaves across the country.
Who Were the Attackers?
According to the NIA’s preliminary findings, four individuals were involved in the attack. Three of them were identified as Pakistani nationals, while the fourth was a Kashmiri local named Adil Thokkar. Investigators revealed that Thokkar had traveled to Pakistan on a student visa back in 2008, indicating deep-rooted planning behind the massacre.
The involvement of Pakistani nationals has added an international dimension to the investigation, pushing authorities to explore the larger conspiracy behind the attack.
