Manjunath's Last Video: Shivamogga Businessman, Wife Had Shared Final Video Together Before Kashmir Attack

A Karnataka-based real estate businessman, Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, was among the 27 people killed in the deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. Linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the assailants targeted unarmed civilians, including women and children, in a brazen act of violence at Baisaran valley.

Rao had arrived in Kashmir just three days earlier with his wife Pallavi and their children. A video posted by Pallavi captured the family's final moments together, as Manjunath soaked in the beauty of Kashmir shortly before the attack.

In a now-heartbreaking video that has surfaced online, Manjunath and his wife can be seen smiling as they enjoy a peaceful Shikara ride on the tranquil waters of Kashmir. Beaming into the camera, Manjunath introduces himself and shares a glimpse of their trip: "My name is Manjunath Shumagakaratak. We have come to Kashmir from Indian Travel Stores. This is the second day of our Kashmir tour."

He fondly recalls their previous night spent at a boathouse, describing it as "very nice," and expresses excitement about the Shikara ride, accompanied by their boatman, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq.

Manjunath also takes a moment to thank their tour coordinator, Kajal Thakur, praising the "very nice service" offered by Indian Travel Stores.

What was meant to be a joyful memory from a dream vacation has now become a haunting record of their final hours-captured just before the brutal terror attack that took his life.

Speaking to media, Pallavi recounted how she witnessed her husband's final moments. "Someone shot my husband from afar. When my son and I reached him, he was already gone," she said tearfully. "I screamed at the terrorist, 'You've killed my husband, kill me too.' My son said the same... but the attacker left."

Pallavi confirmed that she had received calls of support from BJP leaders B Y Raghavendra and Tejasvi Surya.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the terror attack and expressed grief over the loss of Kannadigas in the incident. "I convened an emergency meeting with the Chief Secretary and top police officials. Two teams - one of senior officers and another of police personnel - have been dispatched to J&K. A team from the Sports Department, led by Commissioner Chethan, is also en route," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar confirmed that efforts are underway to assist stranded tourists and bring back Rao's mortal remains to Shivamogga.

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra also mourned Rao's death, calling it a tragic loss of a respected industrialist and innocent lives in a "cowardly terror attack."

BJP MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya wrote, "I have spoken with Mrs. Pallavi, wife of Sri Manjunath, who was killed in the terrorist attack earlier today. They hail from Shimoga in Karnataka. Have also spoken with other family members who have been injured. Local administration has reached to them and made all arrangements for their stay and safety. I have also spoken with the Chief Secretary of Karnataka. We will coordinate to ensure all safely return home."

The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar proxy, claimed responsibility for the massacre. Among the 27 killed were at least two foreign nationals, and several others were injured. Security forces have launched a massive combing operation but are exercising caution amid fears that militants may have set a trap, according to intelligence sources.

Home Minister Amit Shah has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the evolving situation and is expected to visit Srinagar. Intelligence officials fear this could be one of the most significant terror strikes in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.