An HR professional injured in the attack said that her 54-year-old father was asked to recite an Islamic verse. When he was unable to do so, the terrorists shot him thrice — once in the head, again behind the ear, and finally on his back
Two tourists from Pune have been killed. One of them has been identified as Atul Mone (above).
Panic and sorrow gripped several families in Pune as news emerged of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu-Kashmir, in which at least two tourists from Maharashtra were killed and several others — including Pune residents — were injured.
The victims from the city have been identified as Dilip Disle and Atul Mone.
Officials from the Maharashtra government said that it was not yet confirmed which place Disle and Mone lost their lives. The verification process is underway.
"Mone worked as a senior section engineer at the wheel shop of Central Railway’s Parel workshop. Speaking to mid-day.com, a Central Railway official said, 'While the Maharashtra government and the Ministry of Home Affairs are making arrangements, our team is also trying to contact his family to offer any support that can be arranged by the railway administration. In this regard, the Northern Railway’s Jammu and Ferozepur Divisions have been apprised to extend whatever support is feasible under local conditions to the bereaved family.
Maharashtra government officials also confirmed that multiple people from Pune were caught in the crossfire and sustained gunshot injuries.
Among those injured from Pune are Asawari Jagdale, Pragati Jagdale, businessman Santosh Jagdale (gunshot wound), Kaustubh Ganbote (gunshot wound), and Sangeeta Gabote. The families of the injured have appealed for immediate medical assistance to their loved ones and clarity on their condition.
'Terrorists wore clothes similar to police uniforms'
Twenty-six-year-old Asawari Jagdale spoke to reporters over the phone, five hours after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The human resources professional said the family had been vacationing at the picturesque spot of Baisaran Valley when they heard gunfire from assailants who were dressed in clothes similar to those of local police, descending from a nearby hill.
"We were a group of five, including my parents, at Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam – at a place known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ – when the firing began," Asawari Jagdale said.
Recounting the horror, she said that her family hid in fear inside a tent when the terrorists arrived.
“We immediately ran for cover in a nearby tent, along with six or seven other tourists. We all lay flat on the ground, hoping for protection, as we initially thought the gunfire was the result of a clash between the terrorists and security forces," Asawari explained.
The terrorists first approached a nearby tent and opened fire. Then they went to the tent where the Jagdale’s were hiding and demanded her 54-year-old father Santosh Jagdale to step outside and recite an Islamic verse. When he was unable to do so, they shot him thrice — once in the head, again behind the ear, and finally on his back, said Asawari.
Uncle was shot multiple times in the back: Pahalgam terror attack survivor recounts
"They said, 'Chaudhari tu bahar aa ja’," Asavari recalled. The terrorists then accused them of supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by statements defending Kashmiri militants, and claimed that they did not target innocent people, including women and children.
“They then ordered my father to recite an Islamic verse [most likely the Kalma]. When he couldn’t, they shot him thrice,” she said.
After her father collapsed, the gunmen turned their attention to her uncle, who was lying next to her, and shot him multiple times in the back.
"My uncle was lying next to me. The terrorists shot him four to five times in the back. They also shot several other men at the site. There was no one to help us. The police or army arrived only 20 minutes later. Even the locals nearby were reciting Islamic verses."
She, her mother, and another woman relative were spared. Locals who had guided the family to the spot on ponies helped them escape, with three women—including Asawari and her mother—making their way back. They were then medically examined for injuries and taken to Pahalgam Club.
However, they remain unaware of the fate of their two male family members who have received gunshot injuries.
Fadnavis condemns Pahalgam terror attack, says it's 'a cowardly act of terror'
“The shooting occurred around 3.30 pm. Five hours have passed, and we still haven’t received any updates on my father and uncle’s conditions,” Asawari said.
Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly act of terror." He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “My heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives. My deepest condolences to the families. We stand strongly with the bereaved. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.”
He also informed added that he is in direct touch with senior officials of the Jammu-Kashmir administration and has spoken with Divisional Commissioner Vijaykumar Bidari for detailed updates.
“The condition of two injured persons from Maharashtra — Manik Patel from Panvel and S Bhalchandra Rao — is currently stable,” he said.
Murlidhar Mohol, the Union Minister of State Cooperation and Civil Aviation said, "In the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, two residents of Pune — Kaustubh Sudhir Ganbote and Mr Santosh Eknath Jagdale — have been injured. I have had detailed conversations with both families."
He further informed that “proper medical treatment is currently being provided to the injured, and all necessary assistance will be extended to them”. “Additionally, I am personally in touch with the administration, and discussions have taken place regarding ensuring appropriate support and medical care," Mohol added.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) lawmaker Supriya Sule also took to X to express her concern.
“Requesting @OmarAbdullah for providing immediate medical aid and support to the people hailing from Pune who have suffered injuries in the Pahalgam firing incident today,” she posted and urged the administration to promptly share updated medical reports with the families concerned.
Several families from Pune often travel to scenic destinations such as Kashmir.
The incident has sparked concern among Punekars and has led to appeals for heightened security and faster communication for tourists in sensitive regions.
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