Pahalgam Terror Attack: 3 Men From Dombivali, 1 From Panvel Killed In Shooting; 5 Other Maharashtrians Injured

Mumbai: A deadly terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on Tuesday has left the nation in shock, claiming the lives of 26 individuals, including tourists and a local intelligence officer. Among the deceased are three residents of Thane's Dombivli: Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi and Sanjay Lele. The fourth victim, hailing from Navi Mumbai's Panvel, Dilip Desale, has also been confirmed dead in the assault.

The attack, one of the deadliest since the Pulwama strike in 2019, occurred in the afternoon when terrorists allegedly dressed in police uniforms opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists visiting the picturesque meadow. Officials stated that over 50 rounds were fired, and the assailants allegedly asked for names and religious identity before targeting victims. TRF (The Resistance Front), a known terror outfit, has claimed responsibility.

Atul Mone, a section engineer with the Central Railway workshop in Parel, was vacationing with his wife and daughter. The family resided in Thakurwadi, Dombivli West. Sanjay Lele and Hemant Joshi, both from Dombivli’s Pandurangwadi and Nandivali areas respectively, were also on holiday with their families. While their families are safe, the three men tragically lost their lives in the assault.

5 Maharashtrian Tourists Injured

Five other tourists from Maharashtra were injured in the attack, identified as S Bhalchandru, Subodh Patil, Shobhit Patel, Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, reported ABP Majha. All the injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition.

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that families from Pune were also caught in the shooting. While adding more information in the matter, Mohol stated that two tourists, Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote were injured. Both are currently undergoing treatment, while their accompanying family members are safe.

Maharashtra CM, Authorities Closely Monitoring Situation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik and divisional commissioner Dr Vijay Suryavanshi are closely monitoring the situation. The government has assured full support to the families of the deceased. “I strongly condemn this cowardly terrorist attack. My heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said CM Fadnavis, adding that he is in direct contact with senior officials in Jammu & Kashmir, including Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.

Meanwhile, the district disaster management authority has appealed to citizens to report if any acquaintances or relatives were present in the area. Emergency helplines (9372338827 / 7304673105) and 24x7 help desks have been set up both in Srinagar and at the district headquarters to assist affected families and tourists. The Valley remains under high alert, and a massive search operation is underway.

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