Karnataka Minister in Srinagar to facilitate return of Pahalgam terror victim Manjunath Rao's mortal remains

ANI April 23, 2025 433 views

Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad has arrived in Srinagar to oversee the return of Manjunath Rao's remains after the Pahalgam terror attack. Rao, a Shivamogga resident, was visiting Jammu and Kashmir with his family when terrorists opened fire. The attack also claimed the lives of a newlywed couple and an Indian Navy officer. Security forces are conducting search operations to track down the terrorists responsible.

"Manjunath is a relative. His son scored 98% marks in the second PU exams, which is why he took his family to Jammu and Kashmir." - Madhav Murthy
Bengaluru, April 23: Karnataka Minister for Labour Santosh Lad on Wednesday reached Srinagar to oversee arrangements for the return of the mortal remains of Manjunath Rao, a Shivamogga resident who lost his life in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points

1

Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad coordinates return of mortal remains

2

Manjunath Rao was killed in Pahalgam terror attack

3

Victims include tourists, newlyweds, and Navy officer

4

Security forces launch search operations for terrorists

According to officials, Lad departed from Hubballi airport for Srinagar late on Tuesday night, following directives from the state government to expedite the process and support the bereaved family.

Manjunath Rao was visiting Jammu and Kashmir with his family as part of a package tour that began approximately eight days ago. He was killed when terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam.

The incident has left his hometown of Shivamogga in mourning. Preparations are underway at his residence for his funeral rites.

Speaking to ANI, his maternal uncle, Madhav Murthy, recounted the tragic incident.

"Manjunath is a relative. His son scored 98% marks in the second PU exams, which is why he took his family to Jammu and Kashmir. Shivamogga MP, MLA, and many others, including RSS leaders, are trying to bring his mortal remains. They went on a package tour around 8 days ago. When they were eating panipuri, terrorists attacked them. They told his wife and son to 'go and tell this to Modiji'. It's not good to lose anybody in any such attacks," he said.

Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa visited the residence of Pahalgam terrorist attack victim Manjunath's family in Shivamogga and offered condolences.

Shivamogga in-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa said, "This is very unfortunate, and such a situation was completely unexpected. Our minister is already present there and actively coordinating efforts. The state government is handling the matter with full care and responsibility."

The terror attack has left families across the country searching for their loved ones.

"My younger brother went there for the holidays. We got this news from the television. We tried to contact him, but we were unable to do so...We are continuously trying to contact them," a family member from Nagpur told ANI.

Shubham Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, lost his life in the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack.

His cousin Saurabh Dwivedi in Kanpur said, "...Shubham Bhaiya got married on February 12 this year. He was in Pahalgam with his wife. My sister-in-law called my uncle and told him that Shubham was shot in the head. It is also being said that the firing started after asking for the names of the individuals... We have received information that the body will be released after 2-3 days after completing all the procedures..."

An Indian Navy Officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, was also been killed in the Terrorist Attack. He was in Pahalgam with his spouse while on leave. He is a native of Haryana and got married on April 16.

Vinay Narwal's neighbour said, "He was married just a few days back; four days ago it was his reception and there was a celebration all over here. Today, we come to know that terrorists have killed him."

Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations on Wednesday to track down the terrorists responsible.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a briefing meeting with EAM Dr S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other officials immediately after landing in Delhi from Saudi Arabia.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 Just when they were celebrating their son's academic success. My deepest condolences to all the families affected by this senseless violence.
R
Rahul S.
The minister's quick response is commendable, but we need stronger security measures in tourist areas. These attacks keep happening and innocent lives are being lost. Enough is enough!
A
Anjali M.
That poor Navy officer just got married last week... life is so cruel sometimes. My heart goes out to his new wife who must be devastated beyond words.
S
Sanjay P.
While I appreciate the government's response, I wish we'd see more preventive measures rather than reactive ones. Tourism is important but safety should come first.
N
Neha R.
The terrorists telling them to "go tell Modiji" shows how cowardly they are. Attacking innocent families enjoying panipuri... May the victims rest in peace 🙏
V
Vikram J.
As someone from Karnataka, I'm glad our ministers are stepping up to help bring Manjunath Rao home. But we must ask - is enough being done to prevent these attacks in the first place?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags: