Special Correspondent
Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh each for the families of six individuals from Maharashtra who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Additionally, the daughter of Santosh Jagadale, one of the victims from Pune, will be offered a government job.
This decision was taken during today’s cabinet meeting, where the members paid tribute to the victims of the brutal attack. Speaking after the meeting, Fadnavis stated that the Maharashtra government is committed to supporting the bereaved families not only financially but also in terms of education and employment.
“I spoke with the family of Santosh Jagadale yesterday and assured them support. Now, using special powers, I have approved a government job for his daughter,” said the Chief Minister.
On Tuesday afternoon, April 22, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam. Eyewitnesses have claimed that the terrorists attempted to identify tourists based on religion and even instructed them to recite the Azaan. A total of 26 people were killed in the attack, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.
Victims from Maharashtra
Atul Mone, Sanjay Lele, and Hemant Joshi – three cousins from Dombivli – were on a family trip to Kashmir when they were shot dead in front of their loved ones.
Santosh Jagadale and Kaustubh Ganbote from Pune, childhood friends, were also killed in the attack while traveling with their families. Reports say they were shot point-blank in the head.
Dilip Desale, a resident of Navi Mumbai, was also among those killed in the attack.
The Maharashtra government has assured comprehensive support for the affected families, including educational and employment assistance. Meanwhile, the security presence in Jammu and Kashmir has been intensified following the attack, with increased patrols and intelligence monitoring at key tourist locations.
