Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 22: A 47-year-old real estate businessman from Shivamogga district was shot dead in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, in a horrifying incident that occurred in front of his wife and son.
The deceased, identified as Manjunath Rao, was on a family trip to Kashmir with his wife Pallavi, a bank manager, and their 18-year-old son Abhi, both of whom are safe and currently under the care of local authorities. Several other tourists sustained critical injuries in the attack.
In response to the tragic incident, chief minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting with senior officials to assess the situation and initiate necessary action.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said, “Upon receiving news that Kannadigas were targeted in a terrorist attack in Kashmir, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah immediately held a meeting with senior officials to gather information.”
Following a briefing by the chief secretary and senior police officers, the chief minister directed that urgent measures be taken. Subsequently, a team of officials and police personnel has been dispatched to Jammu and Kashmir, while the resident commissioner in Delhi has been tasked with coordinating all required follow-up procedures.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “I strongly condemn the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Kannadigas are among the victims of this shocking incident.
“Upon receiving the news, I convened an emergency meeting and reviewed the situation with the chief secretary and senior police officials. I have also spoken to the resident commissioner in Delhi.
“Following my directions, two teams — one consisting of senior officers and another of police personnel — have been dispatched to Jammu and Kashmir. An adventure team from the sports department, led by Commissioner Chetan, is also en route.”
“We are closely monitoring developments. All necessary support will be extended. Please be assured, the government of Karnataka stands firmly with those affected,” he added.
Minister for law, parliamentary affairs and tourism H K Patil, commenting on the incident, said he had spoken to the chief minister and was closely monitoring the situation.
“We have received preliminary information that 12 people from Karnataka were present at the location. We are verifying the details. We have also received information that one person has died in the terrorist attack,” he stated.
“We will do everything possible to support them,” he added.
BJP MP B Y Raghavendra, who represents the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency, confirmed that Pallavi and Abhi are at a secure location.
“The information has been communicated to the Delhi Resident Commissioner. Our current focus is on bringing Manjunath’s body back to Shivamogga,” he said.