T.M. Rajashekar, former member of the Bellary Krishnadevaraya University Syndicate Committee and retired principal of Institute from Ballari, along with his family, narrowly escaped a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
On April 18, while on a family trip to Kashmir, Rajashekar stayed back at the hotel as his wife, Umadevi, daughter Dr. Gaurika, and son-in-law Doddabasayya went shopping for saffron in Bysaran around 2:20 PM. Suddenly, five armed terrorists stormed the area and opened fire from close range. The family managed to flee and take cover, escaping unscathed.
Located 80 kilometers from Srinagar and perched 10,000 feet above sea level, Pahalgam is known for its scenic beauty and is often called the ‘heaven on earth’. However, Rajashekar highlighted the complete absence of army presence in the area, stating, “There is no mobile network and never in history has such an attack occurred here.”
Describing the horror, he said, “Dozens were gunned down in front of others. The army arrived an hour later. Tourists were screaming, families were scattered, and children and women were in pain. No one was there to console or help.”
He urged caution, “Karnataka tourists should avoid visiting Pahalgam for now. Although it’s breathtaking, you never know when violence may erupt.” He attributed his family’s survival to “the good deeds of our ancestors.”
In the aftermath, Rajashekar expressed frustration over the sudden hike in flight fares, which jumped from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 following the attack.
Meanwhile, four families from Koppal—Siddu Ganavari, Sharanappa Sajjan, Pasha, and Shivakumar Pavali Shettar—who had reached Srinagar from Mumbai on Tuesday evening, decided to cancel their Pahalgam plans and return home after hearing about the incident.