Six Tourists from Maharashtra Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack; State Urges Stranded Visitors to Contact Disaster Helpline
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Mumbai/Pune, 23rd April 2025: In the aftermath of the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of six tourists from Maharashtra, the state government has activated emergency measures to assist affected families and stranded travelers.
Maharashtra’s Disaster Management Cell has issued an urgent appeal to relatives and tourists caught in the turmoil to reach out for help via the dedicated helpline number: 022-22027990. The helpline is operational 24×7 to provide support and coordination for safe return and related assistance.
Final Journey Home for Victims
The mortal remains of the six deceased—Sanjay Lele, Dilip Disle, Kaustubh Ganbote, Santosh Jagdale, Hemant Joshi, and Atul Mone—are being transported to Maharashtra today.
The bodies of Sanjay Lele and Dilip Disle will arrive in Mumbai on an Air India flight scheduled to depart Srinagar at 12:15 PM.
Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale, both from Pune, will be flown out at 6 PM and brought to Pune.
Another flight carrying Hemant Joshi and Atul Mone will depart Srinagar at 1:15 PM, reaching Mumbai later in the day.
At Mumbai Airport, Cabinet Ministers Ashish Shelar and Mangalprabhat Lodha will oversee the coordination efforts. Madhuri Misal, Minister from Pune, will handle arrangements at Pune Airport. Minister Girish Mahajan is en route to Srinagar to supervise on-ground relief and coordination efforts.
Relief and Assistance Measures
State authorities have ensured that the bodies of the victims will be transported to their hometowns via ambulance, with all logistics being handled by the government. “The State Disaster Management Cell is working to coordinate rescue, return, and relief efforts for those affected,” an official statement said.
In Kashmir, the Srinagar District Administration has set up a 24×7 Emergency Control Room to help tourists in distress. Those needing assistance can use the following contact numbers:
Srinagar Emergency Contacts:
Landline: 0194-2483651, 0194-2463651, 0194-2457543
WhatsApp: 7006058623, 7780805144, 7780938397
Ongoing Evacuation and Support
Efforts are also underway to bring back other tourists from Maharashtra who remain stranded in various parts of Kashmir. Authorities are urging all travelers and their families to remain calm and stay in contact with the helpline numbers provided. From the Pune district alone, over 350 tourists in the Union Territory.
