‘We Spotted Them Before Pahalgam Terror Attack’: Pune Tourist Submits Video To NIA  

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Pune, 27th April 2025: Days before terrorists carried out a deadly attack on tourists at Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, Dehu Road-based social activist Sreejit Rameshan and his family were at the same spot — unaware of the danger lurking around.

Rameshan shared chilling details of his visit, recalling how he later identified two suspects from a casual video he had recorded during the trip. “We had visited Baisaran Valley on April 18, 2025. After exploring the area, we went to Betaab Valley later that afternoon,” he said. “It was only after returning to Pune that we learned about the terror attack and the deaths of tourists, including two from our city.”

Rameshan said that after receiving frantic calls and messages from worried friends and relatives, he and his family checked the photos of the terrorists released by security forces. To their shock, they recognized two faces. “We searched through all our photos and videos from Pahalgam and Betaab Valley. Finally, we found a video where my daughter was dancing for a social media reel. In the background, two individuals — their faces, body language, and attire — matched the photos of terrorist suspects number 2 and 4,” he said.

Rameshan shared the video and screenshots with authorities, urging them to verify the information for national security. “It was around 2:38 pm when we recorded the video. The way these men moved past us appeared suspicious. I am sharing this purely in the interest of the nation’s safety,” he said.

Rameshan has shared the photos and videos with the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

No Security Forces at Baisaran Valley, Says Rameshan

Rameshan also raised serious concerns about the lack of security arrangements at Baisaran Valley, despite it being a major tourist destination.

“When we landed at Jammu and Srinagar airports, the security was extremely tight. Armed CRPF personnel were stationed across the cities. However, at Baisaran Valley, which lies about 5.5 kilometers uphill from Pahalgam town, we saw no security personnel at the top,” he said.

Describing the terrain, he said reaching Baisaran requires a strenuous trek through dense forests, slippery paths, and steep gorges, making it nearly impossible for vehicles or emergency responders to reach quickly. “The absence of security at the top of Baisaran Valley made it extremely vulnerable. Given the location, even in case of an emergency, help would have taken 30 to 40 minutes to arrive,” Rameshan added.

He expressed relief that their visit coincided with a day of heavy rainfall, which had kept tourist numbers low. “We feel fortunate. The day we went, the valley was relatively empty due to bad weather,” he said.

Call for Better Security at Tourist Spots

Reflecting on the tragedy and their own narrow escape, Rameshan emphasized the urgent need for better security at popular tourist destinations. “I strongly feel that the government must deploy security forces at all major tourist spots, especially at isolated places like Baisaran Valley. Fixed pickets along trekking routes are necessary to ensure the safety of tourists and locals,” he said.

The deadly attack, which left 26 tourists dead including six from Maharashtra, has triggered nationwide outrage and calls for stronger security measures in Jammu and Kashmir.