Tragedy struck Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday afternoon when a terror attack claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including an Odia tourist.
The deceased has been identified as Prashanta Satapathy, the brother-in-law of the Sarpanch of Saragan Gram Panchayat in Sadar Block, Balasore district.
Prashanta, who worked as an accountant at CIPET Balasore, had set out on a family vacation to Jammu and Kashmir on April 19, accompanied by his wife Priyadarshini Acharya and son Tanuj. While they were exploring the scenic Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam — popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ — armed terrorists suddenly opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. Prashant was fatally shot in the head during the ambush.
His grieving wife Priyadarshini shared a chilling account of the incident with media outlets. “We were out sightseeing between 2:30 and 3 PM when the terrorists attacked. My husband was shot in the head. I screamed and begged for help,” she said. “It took nearly an hour and a half for the security personnel to arrive and transport him for medical assistance. My phone number has been noted by officials,” she added.
According to Jammu and Kashmir police, the terrorists were reportedly disguised as policemen when they opened fire on the tourists. Preliminary reports suggest that around 28 people may have died in the deadly ambush, with attackers reportedly firing between 40 and 50 rounds.
Anantnag police confirmed Satpathy’s death to his relatives in Balasore via telephone. However, the whereabouts of his wife and 11-year-old son, who were travelling with him, remain unknown to local authorities.
Satpathy’s body is currently in the custody of the police in Jammu.
Following the attack, Anantnag police have established a 24/7 help desk and issued helpline numbers – 9596777669, 01932225870, and WhatsApp 9419051940 – to assist tourists needing help or information.
