Pahalgam Massacre: ₹20 Lakh Reward for Leads on Terrorists Behind Brutal Tourist Attack

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: The chilling aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack has prompted swift action from security forces. On April 22, in a horrifying ambush at the scenic Baisaran area of Pahalgam, terrorists opened fire on unsuspecting tourists, killing 26 innocent people. The attack has drawn national outrage and mourning.

As investigations intensify, the Anantnag police have released sketches of the suspected attackers and announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for any information leading to their arrest or neutralization. The key suspects include Pakistani nationals linked to the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba: Adil Hussain Thokar, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa. These individuals are accused of orchestrating the mass killing and attempting to incite fear in the region.

A post shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Anantnag Police confirmed the reward. The statement reads, “Anyone who provides actionable information aiding in eliminating the terrorists involved in this cowardly act will be rewarded with ₹20 lakh. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential.”

Additionally, three sketch images of suspects — believed to be Pakistani nationals — have been made public. The suspected terrorists are identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha, also known by their code names Musa, Yunus, and Asif. They are reportedly involved in previous terror activities in Poonch as well.

J&K | Anantnag Police announces a reward of Rs 20 lakhs on information leading to the arrest of Pakistan nationals and LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa, who were involved in the attack on tourists in Baisaran, Pahalgam on 22nd April pic.twitter.com/dfD9nbvBZj

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

According to officials, the sketches were created with the help of survivors who witnessed the brutal attack firsthand. These visual descriptions are now being circulated widely among security agencies and the public to expedite the manhunt.

Reports suggest that the attackers asked for names and religious identities before executing their victims, making the incident not just an act of terrorism but also a chilling reminder of hate-fueled brutality. Heart-wrenching videos of the aftermath are circulating online, sparking both grief and rage across social media.

The Resistance Front, a proxy group believed to be backed by Lashkar-e-Taiba, has allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack. The government and defense experts have reiterated the need for stronger counter-terrorism measures and public vigilance.

The people of Jammu & Kashmir, along with citizens across the nation, are calling for justice and stronger security in tourist-heavy zones. This attack, one of the deadliest in recent memory, has cast a shadow over the region's fragile peace and reignited debates about cross-border terrorism and civilian safety.