Sharad Pawar paid tribute to Santosh Jagdale who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack

Pune: Santosh Jagdale, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror assault, received his last respects on Thursday from NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar. Pawar spoke with the bereaved family as well. In the meanwhile, Kaustabh Ganbote, who was also slain in the terror incident, had his lifeless remains transported to Pune.

Atul Mone, a native of Dombivili, had his last rites conducted in Thane in the meanwhile. Atul Mone’s family conveyed their sorrow and called for tough punishment for the offenders.

Rahul Akul, Atul Mone’s relative, told the media report, “There should be sufficient security there. Nine persons, three families, traveled there. When I asked his wife, Atul Mone, whether he was Hindu, she informed me that he had been shot dead in front of her. Three guys were slain when they were targeted. All of them were slaughtered and were unmarried breadwinners. As quickly as possible, we want the offenders to face severe consequences. They left on April 22 and were scheduled to return on April 27 or 28 for a six-day trip.

Rahul Akul said, “I spoke to his (Atul Mone’s) wife, who told me that he was shot dead in front of her after he asked if he was a Hindu.” The terrorists murdered Mone after identifying him as a Hindu.

Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, had earlier on April 23 visited with the stranded tourists at a camp close to Srinagar Airport and told them that all the help they needed would be given to secure their prompt return to Mumbai.

The Deputy CM said in a post on X that the state administration will treat all stranded visitors with respect and decency.

Shinde expressed his sympathy with them by saying that he traveled there as a fellow Maharashtrian and not as a deputy chief minister in order to support the stranded tourists and assure them that they will return home safely.

“I spoke with a lot of our stranded visitors; they were resilient, fatigued, and nervous. The fact that their administration was on the ground with them was encouraging to witness how their spirits were raised. In addition to serving as Deputy CM, I am here as a fellow Maharashtrian to support, comfort, and personally arrange for their safe return home. I’m also pleased with the amazing job that Dr. Shrikant Shinde’s staff did during these crucial hours, organizing logistics, offering emotional support, and making sure everyone felt taken care of. Everyone will be brought home with dignity, compassion, and the full support of our government. The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra posted on X.

Terrorists carried out one of the bloodiest attacks in the valley Tuesday in Baisaran Meadow in Pahalgam, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several more.