Terror Unfolds at Pahalgam’s Baisaran Meadow: Gujarat Family’s Narrow Escape
4 min read
In a shocking turn of events, a serene vacation turned into a nightmare for Rishi Bhatt, a tourist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, when terrorists unleashed havoc in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow on April 22, 2025. Bhatt’s 53-second video, recorded while ziplining, has taken social media by storm, offering a raw, firsthand glimpse into one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Background: A Region Under Siege
Pahalgam, nestled in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil meadows, drawing thousands of tourists annually. However, its proximity to volatile areas has occasionally made it a target for militancy. The April 22 attack, which claimed 26 lives—predominantly tourists—marks a grim escalation, reminiscent of the 2019 Pulwama strike that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The Resistance Front, a shadowy affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility, only to retract later, fueling speculation about the perpetrators’ motives and identities.
India’s response has been swift and firm, with diplomatic measures including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Attari-Wagah border, signaling heightened tensions with Pakistan.
The Incident: Chaos from Above
Rishi Bhatt, accompanied by his wife and young son, was enjoying a zipline ride over Baisaran meadow when the tranquility shattered. “I was mid-air, taking in the view, when I heard gunshots,” Bhatt told India Prime Times. “It took me 20 seconds to realize we were under attack.” His video captures the chilling transition from leisure to panic—gunfire erupts, screams pierce the air, and tourists scatter below.
Bhatt’s quick thinking saved his family. “I unhooked my harness, jumped down, and grabbed my wife and son. We ran toward a pit-like spot where others were hiding—it was the only cover we could find,” he recounted. From their makeshift shelter, they witnessed unimaginable horror: terrorists interrogating two families about their religion before executing them. “My wife and son were screaming. We saw 15-16 tourists shot right in front of us,” Bhatt said, his voice heavy with emotion.
The assault unfolded in waves. “The firing went on for 8-10 minutes, stopped briefly, then started again, claiming more lives,” he explained. Amid the chaos, local residents fled, leaving tourists vulnerable until the Indian Army arrived within 20-25 minutes, providing cover and restoring a semblance of safety. “I can’t thank the Army enough—they were our lifeline,” Bhatt added.
Watch the video below:
પહલગામ હુમલાનો વધુ એક વિડીયો સામે આવ્યો!
— Sagar Patoliya (@kathiyawadiii) April 28, 2025
અમદાવાદના પાલડીમાં રહેતા ઋષિ ભટ્ટના કેમેરામાં કેદ થયા પહલગામ હુમલાના ભયાનક દ્રશ્યો!! #PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/sJ7dQG2qKG
A Controversial Claim: The Zipline Operator
Adding a layer of intrigue, Bhatt has pointed fingers at the zipline operator, a local Kashmiri, alleging suspicious behavior. “Nine people went before me, and he said nothing. But when I started sliding, he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ three times, and then the firing began,” Bhatt claimed. This detail has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny. Was the operator complicit, or was it a coincidence? The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained the individual for interrogation, though no official conclusions have been released.
The Viral Video: A Window into Terror
Bhatt’s video, now viewed millions of times, has become a pivotal piece of evidence and a public testament to the attack’s brutality. Recorded inadvertently during his zipline descent, it juxtaposes the beauty of Pahalgam with the sudden onset of violence—gunshots cutting through the serene backdrop. Shared widely across platforms, it has amplified calls for justice and heightened awareness of the region’s security challenges.
Impact: Tourism in Peril
The attack has cast a long shadow over Pahalgam’s tourism industry, a vital economic lifeline for locals. Hotels report mass cancellations, and visitors are departing en masse, fearing further violence. “This was supposed to be a peaceful getaway,” Bhatt reflected. “Now, I just want my family home safe.”
Looking Ahead: Investigation and Resilience
As the NIA probes the operator’s role and the broader conspiracy, questions linger about how such a coordinated attack penetrated a popular tourist hub. For Bhatt, the ordeal is a haunting memory, but also a story of survival. “We’re shaken, but alive—thanks to my instincts and the Army’s bravery,” he said.
India Prime Times will continue to monitor this developing story, bringing readers the latest updates on the investigation and its fallout. For now, the nation mourns, and Pahalgam’s once-inviting meadows stand as a somber reminder of a day when terror struck paradise.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India Prime Times
