The serene meadows of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir turned into a scene of unspeakable horror on April 22 when terrorists launched a brutal attack that claimed 26 lives. What began as a tourist excursion for families from across India ended in tragedy, leaving behind grieving spouses, traumatised children, and shattered families.
What should have been a memorable vacation for families from across India turned into a devastating nightmare.
UP businessman’s wife treasures the shirt he last wore
In Kanpur, Aishanya Dwivedi clings to her husband Shubham’s sky-blue shirt, now her most precious possession. Married just two months ago, their Kashmir trip ended with 31-year-old Shubham falling to terrorist bullets in the Baisaran meadow. The young widow hasn’t parted with his shirt since the incident, keeping it close as a final reminder of their brief time together. Read full story.
Pune man’s daughter performs last rites in blood-stained clothes
In Pune, the tragedy claimed two childhood friends – Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Gunbote. Jagdale’s daughter Asawari, an HR professional, performed his last rites while still wearing her blood-stained clothes. “We were clicking pictures when we heard gunshots, followed by screams. We hid behind tents with our family friends (Gunbote and family). Then, I saw my father and uncle (Gunbote) being shot, right in front of my eyes,” Asawari recalled, describing the attackers as “monsters”. Read full story
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‘Killer had camera strapped to head, filmed husband’s death’
Sohini, widow of Florida-based techie Bitan Adhikary (40), revealed that the terrorists had cameras strapped to their heads, presumably recording or live-streaming the massacre. Her husband was executed after refusing to recite the kalma when his religious identity was questioned. “I can’t wipe those nightmarish moments from my memory. The gunman who shot my husband down had a video camera strapped to his forehead. It meant they were recording the acts or may have been streaming it for some persons to watch,” she said. Read full story
9-yr-old performs dad’s last rites even as his mom faints
In Balasore, nine-year-old Tanuj Kumar Satpathy was forced to perform the last rites of his father, Prasant Satpathy, while his mother fainted from grief. Just 48 hours earlier, the family had been enjoying the scenic beauty of Pahalgam together. Read full story
Don’t worry, stay strong, techie told wife in last words
The attack’s brutality was matched only by the victims’ courage. Bengaluru-based techie Bharath Bhushan’s last words to his wife Sujatha and their three-year-old son were, “Don’t worry, don’t worry… stay strong.” Before shooting him, the terrorists had confronted Sujatha, asking, “How is it that you are happy here while our children are being killed and we are suffering?” He then killed another tourist before pointing the gun at Sujatha’s husband and asking his name. “My name is Bharath,” Bhushan said, and was shot in the head, thrice, said Sujatha. Read full story.
