In the serene town of Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, a horrific terrorist attack took place, where a man from Indore was brutally shot in front of his 25-year-old son. The bereaved son has now revealed that among the attackers were minors, boys with cameras mounted on their heads.
Pahalgam, also called Mini Switzerland, was the site of a gruesome attack on April 22 at Baisaran, a prominent tourist destination. At least 26 people perished, and numerous others were injured. Many of the deceased were tourists from other states, including Sushil Nathaniel, a 58-year-old from Indore.
Sushil Nathaniel served as a manager at a Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) office in Alirajpur, approximately 200 kilometers from Indore. He was visiting Kashmir with his entire family. During the attack, the assailants shot his daughter Akanksha (35) in the leg. However, his wife Jennifer (54) and son Austin, also known as Goldie (25), survived without injuries.
Austin, deeply saddened by his father's loss, told PTI, 'Among the terrorists were minors, around 15 years old, at least four in number, who were taking selfies with cameras on their heads during the attack.'
Austin disclosed that before being shot, the terrorists questioned his father and others about their religious identity. The 25-year-old recounted how they were asked to recite the 'Kalma' to confirm if one was Muslim or not.
Austin further explained, 'If anyone recited the 'Kalma,' they were then forced to strip off their clothes. I witnessed the terrorists shoot six people right before my eyes.'
When asked about his expectations from the government, Austin mentioned, 'All I wish for is the heavy deployment of police and army personnel at that location as it attracts the most tourists.' Meanwhile, Sushil Nathaniel was laid to rest at the Juna Indore Catholic Cemetery.
Jennifer, overwhelmed with grief during the funeral, fainted multiple times, supported by her son Austin and other close relatives. Their injured daughter, Akanksha, arrived at the cemetery in a wheelchair to bid a final farewell to her father.
Madhya Pradesh minister Tulsiram Silawat and state Congress president Jeetu Patwari were among the notable leaders who paid tribute to Sushil Nathaniel at the cemetery.
