Kolkata Techie Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack: Family Devastated, Govt Steps In
TCS employee Bitan Adhikary was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam during a family trip. His wife and son survived. Authorities are working to bring his body home.
Kolkata: Bitan Adhikary, a 40-year-old professional from TCS who lived in Florida, returned to his Kolkata home on April 8 with his wife, Sohini, and their three-year-old son. The family had planned a trip to Kashmir and had been exploring the scenic region before they were scheduled to return on Thursday. Tragically, Bitan was killed in a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday. The attack claimed at least 26 lives, including two foreign tourists, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent years. His wife and young son survived and are now awaiting safe return.
West Bengal's Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and spoke to Bitan’s wife to offer her condolences. In a message shared on the social media platform X, she said, "My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the devastating terrorist attack on the tourists in Jammu and Kashmir today. One of the victims, Sri Bitan Adhikari, is from West Bengal. I have talked with his wife over the phone. Though no words are enough to console her in this hour of grief, I have assured her that my government is taking all steps to bring back his mortal remains to his house at Kolkata."
Bitan’s father, devastated by the loss, shared his sorrow with the media. “He wanted to take all of us along. But I told him to go with my daughter-in-law. I spoke to him even in the afternoon. What happened after that…” he said, his voice breaking.
Bitan’s elder brother recalled their last conversation. “He told me they’d plan another vacation once he got back. We never imagined it would be our final talk.”
West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas visited Bitan’s grieving family in Kolkata. He said that efforts are underway to bring Bitan’s body back quickly. “The state Home Department and the Resident Commissioner in New Delhi are coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Jammu and Kashmir government,” he noted.
The attack in Pahalgam, a serene tourist spot, has shaken the entire country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, returned immediately. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar and met local leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. A large-scale search operation is now being carried out in the area by security personnel.
This tragic incident has left the nation mourning. Words may fall short, but the courage and unity shown by citizens and authorities reflect the strength of the human spirit in the face of brutality.
