Pahalgam terror attack: ‘Modi Saheb, don’t spare a single one’—grief grips Pune families

Santosh Jagdale, an insurance company employee, deceased (right) Kaustubh Ganbote, farsan brand owner, deceased

Two residents of Pune, Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale, were tragically killed in the terrorist firing incident at Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Tuesday. Kaustubh Ganbote was from Kondhwa, while Santosh Jagdale hailed from Karve Nagar.

Kaustubh was the owner of the popular Pune-based snack brand ‘Ganbote Farsan'. The brand has about 15 to 20 franchises across Pune in various localities. The family resided in Shantinagar Society, Lane Number 15, Sai Nagar, Kondhwa Budruk. Their farsan factory, named 'Ganbote Farsan House', is located right next to their home.

Madhav Ganbote, a relative, said, "Kaustubh Ganbote had travelled to Kashmir with his wife. They have only one son, Kunal, who left for Srinagar just yesterday." He added that Kunal's wife and their young child were at home with relatives when the tragedy struck. The family lost communication with Kaustubh and his wife after the attack. Just days ago, they had left Pune, hoping for a peaceful vacation.

"They had left on Saturday," said Jyoti Ganbote, Kaustubh's aunt, who lives in Rasta Peth. Speaking through sobs, she said, "Kaustubh was warm-hearted and compassionate. He always stood by everyone. He never treated me just like an aunt - he loved me like a mother. When I had an eye operation, he took great care of me. He was the strength of our family."

Jyoti added, "I only learned of his death this morning. Last night, my daughter-in-law said he was only injured. This morning, we were told he had passed away. Yesterday, we only heard about the gunfire. Today, we lost our pillar of support. He was the eldest in the family." The family now awaits Kaustubh's mortal remains, which are expected to arrive in Pune by Tuesday evening. Demanding justice, his aunt pleaded, "Modi Saheb, don't spare a single one."

Vishal Dhanawde, a former corporator and close friend, said, "Kaustubh was my friend for the last 15 years. He built his business from scratch - riding bicycles and a Luna scooter to sell farsan. He worked hard and built a 5000 sq. ft. factory in Kondhwa. Just when life was finally becoming easy, he lost his life. It's heartbreaking."

Meanwhile, Dnyandeep Colony in Karve Nagar is also reeling from the death of Santosh Jagdale. The 50-year-old worked at a public sector insurance company and is survived by his wife Pragati, 45, and daughter Asawari, 24. Speaking over the phone, Asawari said, "My father and uncle were shot by terrorists. They asked if tourists were Hindu or Muslim and targeted the men. It happened on our first day in Kashmir, in Mini Switzerland,
Betaab Valley."

"As soon as the firing began, we all ran with other tourists. The Indian Army arrived later and rescued us. My father was shot in the head and chest," she said. Jamuna Jagdale, Santosh's sister-in-law, added, "The family had left just three days ago. My sister-in-law is in deep shock. My niece Asawari, who just completed her MBA, is trying to manage everything." Residents of Dnyandeep Colony learned about the tragedy through news channels, which plunged the entire neighbourhood into sorrow.