Pahalgam terror attack: Sharad Pawar visits families of Pune victims, offers condolences

Sharad Pawar. File pic

In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam, senior NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Sharad Pawar paid solemn visits to the grieving families of two Pune residents who lost their lives in the incident. According to PTI, Pawar visited the homes of Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote on Thursday morning, offering floral tributes and extending heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families.

The bodies of Jagdale and Ganbote arrived at Pune International Airport at around 5:30 AM before being taken to their respective residences in Karvenagar and Kondhwa, where friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to pay their last respects. The duo, who were close friends in life, will be cremated at Vaikunth Crematorium later in the day, PTI reports.

Ganbote, who ran a snacks business, and Jagdale, an interior designer by profession, were holidaying in Kashmir with their wives and Jagdale's daughter Asavari when the attackers struck. As per PTI, they were among the 26 civilians, largely tourists, who were killed when terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam - one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years.

Pawar first visited Jagdale's residence, speaking with his grieving relatives and paying floral tributes at his mortal remains. He later visited Ganbote's home, offering similar condolences. "It is a heart-wrenching loss for Pune and the nation," Pawar reportedly said.

Elsewhere in Maharashtra, the last rites of Atul Mone, another victim from Dombivli, were also held. His family members expressed immense grief and demanded swift justice. Rahul Akul, a relative, told ANI that Mone was shot after being identified as a Hindu. "They were targeted. All three were sole breadwinners. We want strict action against the culprits as soon as possible," he said.

Meanwhile, as per PTI, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited a temporary camp near Srinagar Airport to meet stranded tourists from the state. In a post on X, he stated that he was there "not just as Deputy CM but as a fellow Maharashtrian" to personally reassure citizens of their safety and coordinate their return.

"I met many of our stranded tourists - tired, anxious, but resilient," Shinde posted. "Their spirits were lifted just by knowing their government is with them. We will bring them home with care, dignity, and full support."

Efforts to assist stranded tourists are being overseen by Dr Shrikant Shinde's team, who have been coordinating logistics and offering emotional support on the ground.

(With inputs from PTI)