Pune Duo Killed in Kashmir Cremated Together
Pune, 24th April 2025: A scenic family vacation turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy for two lifelong friends from Pune — Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale — who were among the 26 people killed in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
The duo had set off on the trip with their families, hoping to enjoy the natural beauty of Kashmir. Instead, the peaceful getaway ended in horror when terrorists opened fire on civilians, leaving a trail of devastation.
Their mortal remains were flown back to Pune early Thursday morning. In a deeply emotional farewell, both friends were cremated side by side at the Vaikunth crematorium in Navi Peth. Santosh Jagdale’s daughter Asawari performed the last rites, lighting the funeral pyre in a moment that left many in tears.
Kaustubh’s family, known for their popular farsan (snack) business, is well-respected in the local community. Santosh had lovingly promised to bring back a gift for his 84-year-old mother — a promise cruelly cut short. Instead, she was left to receive her son’s body in a coffin.
Friends, neighbors, and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to mourn the loss. As the two inseparable friends made their final journey together, the grief was palpable — not just among their families but across the city that had known and loved them.
