Kashmir: Pune Families Among Victims of Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune/Pahalgam, 22nd April 2025: A devastating terrorist attack in the picturesque town of Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon has left the nation in shock. At least 27 tourists were killed when gunmen believed to be from The Resistance Front (TRF) opened indiscriminate fire near the popular tourist spot Baisaran, also known as the “Mini Switzerland” of Kashmir.
Among the victims are members of two families from Pune’s Karvenagar area—the Jagdale and Ganbote families—originally hailing from Baramati taluka. Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote were reportedly shot at close range, with one sustaining three bullet injuries, according to preliminary medical reports.
Baramati MP Supriya Sule tweeted: Requesting
@OmarAbdullah for providing immediate medical aid and support to the following people hailing from Pune who have suffered injuries in the Pahalgham firing incident today: Asawari Jagdale, Pragati Jagdale, Santosh Jagdale (gunshot wound), Kaustubh Ganbote (gunshot wound), & Sangeeta Gabote from Pune. The family has requested for clarity on their condition please. Thank you for your efficient & quick administration!
Muralidhar Mohol, Pune MP and Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation, said, “I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack. I am in constant touch with the Jagdale and Ganbote families. We are making every possible effort to ensure the safety and well-being of all tourists from Maharashtra. I have personally spoken with Kaustubh’s daughter, who is receiving the necessary medical care and support. Tragically, her father was shot in front of her. Relief operations are underway on a war footing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condemned the incident in the strongest terms, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has immediately proceeded to Kashmir. We are taking every step with utmost urgency and concern to support the affected families and all tourists from Maharashtra.”
Eyewitness Accounts: Gunmen Asked for Religion Before Firing
Eyewitnesses recounted a chilling sequence of events: the attackers first approached the group of tourists, asked their names and religion, and then opened fire without warning. The sound of gunfire sent hundreds of tourists scrambling for safety through the meadows.
The victims include tourists from Maharashtra (Pune and Mumbai), Surat in Gujarat, as well as Haryana and Delhi, according to initial inputs from the authorities.
Injured Shifted to Hospitals, Families in Distress
The injured were rushed to hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Relatives of those from Pune and Maharashtra are frantically trying to contact their loved ones. “We haven’t been able to reach them since the news broke. We’re desperate for any update,” said a relative of one of the victims from Karvenagar.
Official Response and National Condolences
Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief and promised all possible medical aid to the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has departed for Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation on the ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Saudi Arabia, spoke to Shah over the phone and has called for immediate and strict action.
Tourism Industry in Jeopardy After Targeted Attack
The TRF, a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on civilians and foreign workers in Kashmir. However, the direct targeting of tourists based on their religion marks a disturbing escalation.
Tourism has long been one of Kashmir’s few economic lifelines. This attack, taking place at the peak of the spring tourist season, is expected to severely dent tourist confidence and economic recovery in the region.
Security Measures Intensified
Security forces have sealed the area and launched a massive search operation to track down the assailants. Intelligence agencies are also working to confirm the identities and affiliations of the attackers.
24/7 Emergency Help Desk for Tourists –Police Control Room Anantnag
A dedicated help desk has been established at the Police Control Room Anantnag to assist tourists requiring assistance or information.
Contact Details:
📞 9596777669
01932225870
Whatsapp 9419051940
