Karnataka Businessman Among Victims of Pahalgam Terror Attack; State Govt Sends Rescue Teams

Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir – April 23, 2025 — Among the victims of Tuesday's deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam was Manjunath Rao, a respected real estate entrepreneur from Shivamogga, Karnataka. Rao had been vacationing in the Kashmir Valley with his wife, Pallavi, and their children when gunmen linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) opened fire on a group of unarmed tourists in the Baisaran valley.

Rao, who had arrived in Kashmir just three days earlier, was fatally shot in what has become one of the most severe terror attacks against civilians in the region in recent years. His wife, Pallavi, recounted the harrowing experience in an emotional interview with CNN-News18, revealing that she and her son witnessed the immediate aftermath of the killing.

“Someone shot my husband from a distance,” she said. “By the time we reached him, he was already gone. I screamed at the attacker, ‘You’ve killed my husband, kill me too.’ My son said the same. But the gunman left.”

A video shared on social media, captured by Pallavi shortly before the incident, showed Manjunath enjoying the scenic beauty of Kashmir—now his last known moments.

Reacting to the news, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow and condemned the attack. “Kannadigas are among the victims of this heinous act,” he said. “I convened an emergency meeting with senior officials and have dispatched two response teams to Jammu and Kashmir—one comprising senior administrative officers and another of police personnel. Additionally, a specialized team from the Sports Department led by Commissioner Chethan is en route.”

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that the teams will assist in coordinating the return of stranded tourists and in repatriating the mortal remains of the deceased.

State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra also expressed condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Shri Manjunath Rao and other innocent lives in the cowardly terror attack. The people of Karnataka stand united in grief.”

The attack, which targeted tourists in Baisaran valley—a key area near the base of the Amarnath Yatra route—claimed at least 27 lives, including those of two foreign nationals. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility via a post on social media that also included images of injured victims.

Security forces have since cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale combing operation. Intelligence officials have expressed concern that militants may attempt to lure security personnel into ambushes, necessitating extreme caution in ongoing operations.

Sources also indicated that the death toll could rise further, potentially making it one of the most devastating terror strikes in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expected to visit Srinagar to review the security situation firsthand.

As India grapples with the aftermath of this attack, tributes continue to pour in for the victims, and calls for heightened security and international solidarity against terror have grown stronger.