N Ramachandran (65), a native of Edappally in Kerala’s Ernakulam, was reportedly killed in the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Tuesday, April 22. Ramachandran had travelled to Kashmir for vacation on Monday, April 21, with his wife, Sheela, his daughter Aarti R Menon, and two grandchildren. Reports suggest that his family members are safe.
The attack reportedly killed 26 people and critically injured several others. As per reports, the tourists were in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley, known as 'Mini Switzerland', when the attack took place.
Ramachandran had worked in a Middle Eastern country and was spending his retirement in Edappally. According to Ramachandran’s neighbours, his daughter came from Dubai a few days ago, and they planned a vacation together. He also has a son who works in Hyderabad.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the terror attack and said that those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. “Let us stand united against such acts of violence and reaffirm our commitment to peace and harmony,” he wrote on X.
Condemning the incident, the Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan wrote on X, “It's time for bold, effective action, not just rhetoric to truly curb terrorism.”
According to reports, the mortal remains of Ramachandran will be taken to Kerala on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, three judges of the Kerala High Court, Anil K Narendran, G Girish and PG Ajithkumar, who went to Kashmir along with their families, had a narrow escape. According to reports, they returned from Pahalgam to Srinagar a few hours ahead of the attack.