Pahalgam terror attack: ‘They asked if we were Hindu, then they opened fire’

A poster honouring Pahalgam terror attack victims Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi and Sanjay Lele, at Bhagshala Maidan in Dombivli West on April 23. Pics/Apoorva Agashe

The relatives of Atul Mone, Sanjay Lele and Hemant Joshi - three cousins from Dombivli West who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 - told mid-day they were still coming to terms with their loss. "We are in a deep state of shock. It feels like our lives are never going to be the same again," said Rajashree Akul, a relative of Mone.

The cousins, along with their families, had departed from Ahmedabad via flight to Jammu and Kashmir two days before the tragic incident. Mone was travelling with wife Anushka, 35, and 18-year-old daughter Richa.

Lele was accompanied by his wife Kavita, 46, and 20-year-old son Harshal. Joshi was with his wife Monika, 45, and 16-year-old son Dhruv. According to their relatives, the families were enjoying their trip before things took a horrific turn.

Rajesh Prasade, who remembered the times he would play badminton with Hemant Joshi

"We spoke with Atul's wife, Anushka, after the attack. She was devastated. Her husband had been shot in the stomach by terrorists and succumbed to his injury in front of her eyes," Rajashree said.

"All three families lived near Bhagshala in Dombivli. When we saw the news on television that an attack had taken place in Pahalgam, we all panicked and called Anushka. She didn't pick up. Then the news about Atul's death flashed on our TV screen, we again called Anushka and she said that everything had changed and wept," said Rahul Akul.

The Akuls claimed the terrorist had asked their victims their religion before commencing to open fire. "Anushka said the terrorists asked, ‘Yahan Hindu kon hain', to which Sanjay raised his hand. He was then shot in the head, and Joshi was shot in the chest," Rahul added.

"Harshal told us the terrorists, dressed in combat uniform fatigues, asked people whether they were Hindu before opening fire multiple times," he added.

"We demand strict action against the perpetrators of this attack. Mone was the sole breadwinner of the family, and his daughter wants to be a chartered accountant. Who will fulfil her wish? Anushka's life will never be the same again," Rajashree said.

Rajashree and Rahul Akul, relatives of Atul Mone, at their residence

Rajesh Prasade, 62, told mid-day that the Joshi family was a very loving one. "Hemant and I played badminton together. We are in shock. His son, Dhruv, is like my own son. We are grieving," he said.

Another relative said, "We are in a state of shock and are processing the news of Hemant's death. We had spoken with him. He said he would be back in a week's time. We are coordinating with the family to conduct their last rites."

Mone, Lele and Joshi's bodies are being brought to Dombivli. Their last rites will be performed at the cremation ground on Shiv Mandir Road.

‘Deeply disturbing'

P V Sindhu
Olympic silver medal-winning badminton ace via X

‘My heart aches for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. So much pain. So much loss. No reason, no cause can ever justify such brutality'

Neeraj Chopra
Olympic gold medal-winning javelin star via X

‘Heartbroken by the tragic attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Prayers for the victims and their families'

Abhinav Bindra
Olympic gold medal-winning shooter via X

‘Heartbroken by the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Terror has no place in our world , we must stand united against hatred and violence'

Donald Trump US President

‘Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The US stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!'

J D Vance US Vice-President

‘Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating attack. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack'

Benjamin Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister

‘I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism.'