West Bengal victims in Pahalgam attack: In the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, three tourists from West Bengal have been confirmed dead. The deceased have been identified as Bitan Adhikari of Baishnabghata (Kolkata), Sameer Guha of Behala (Kolkata), and Manish Ranjan of Jhalda (Purulia district).
All three were on vacation with their families when gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on tourists at Baisaran valley on Tuesday, April 22. The terror attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians and injured dozens, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Mamata Banerjee Personally Monitors Situation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief and extended condolences to the bereaved families. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), she said: “All arrangements are being made by our administration at Delhi Airport to help the family members of the victims and their onward journey to Kolkata. I am personally overseeing the process and our senior officers are working hands-on.”
Banerjee confirmed that the flight carrying the victims’ bodies is expected to arrive in Kolkata at 8:30 PM on Wednesday, and that the Resident Commissioner’s office in Delhi is coordinating with the victims’ families.
Bitan Adhikari: A Life Cut Short on Vacation
Bitan Adhikari, who had been living in the United States, was in India with his family for a vacation. He was killed in the attack while visiting Pahalgam with his wife and son, both of whom survived and were taken to Srinagar after the incident.
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State Minister Aroop Biswas, who visited Adhikari’s family residence in Kolkata, said: “Bitan had come home on a personal trip. We are in constant contact with the family, and the mortal remains will be brought back to Kolkata by Thursday. All necessary arrangements have been made.”
Sameer Guha: Targeted After Revealing Identity
Sameer Guha, a central government employee, was on holiday with his wife and daughter. According to relatives gathered outside his Behala residence, the assailants demanded identification before shooting him.
Officials from the West Bengal government have reached out to his family, providing logistical and emotional support.
Manish Ranjan: Excise Engineer
The third victim, Manish Ranjan, an Excise Inspector, hailed from Jhalda in Purulia, West Bengal, according to state officials. However, the Union Home Ministry listed him as a native of Bihar, leading to some confusion. He too was on a family trip when the attack occurred.
Mamata Banerjee Offers Condolences and Condemns the Attack
Chief Minister Banerjee also revealed that she had spoken to Bitan Adhikari’s wife directly: “No words are enough to console a grieving family. But I assured her that the West Bengal government is taking every step to bring back her husband’s mortal remains and provide full support.”
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Calling the incident an “inhuman act of terror,” she added: “My heart goes out to all families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. We will do everything in our power to assist them.”
The Pahalgam massacre, believed to be orchestrated by seven heavily armed terrorists, included four or five foreign nationals, mostly from Pakistan, as per intelligence inputs. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is suspected of orchestrating the attack, with reports suggesting the assailants may have worn body cameras to record the violence for propaganda.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the massacre and chaired a high-level security review in Srinagar.
Timeline for Repatriation
- April 24, 8:30 PM: Victims’ bodies expected to arrive in Kolkata
- State coordination teams in Delhi and Kolkata will manage logistics
- Cremation and final rites to be held under state supervision
More Victims Identified, Tensions Rise
While the final list of the deceased is still being compiled, the Home Ministry confirmed 26 civilians dead, including tourists from West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Bihar. The attack has triggered widespread condemnation and calls for a nationwide united front against terror.
Helpline for Bengal Families
– WB Emergency Response Team (Delhi): +91 9717099888
– Kolkata Control Room: 033-2214-1995
– State Grievance Cell WhatsApp: +91 9433012345
