A recent report by the BBC has cast doubt on the official narrative provided by Indian authorities regarding the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people at a popular tourist site, was quickly attributed by India to Pakistani elements—an accusation made without presenting supporting evidence.
The BBC investigation raises serious concerns about apparent security lapses and the role of Indian intelligence agencies. The report highlights public outrage over the lack of security in the area despite its proximity to military installations and previous threat alerts.
Sheetal Kalathiya, widow of one of the victims, Sailesh Bhai Kalathiya, publicly confronted a visiting minister during a condolence visit, criticizing the absence of security and emergency services. “You have so many VIP cars, but what about the taxpayers?” she asked. “There was neither security nor a medical team.”
Paras Jain, a survivor, echoed her concerns, telling the BBC that no security personnel were present at the time of the attack, despite the presence of both a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp just seven kilometers away and Rashtriya Rifles stationed five kilometers from the site. According to the report, it took local police nearly an hour to arrive, even though the attack lasted around 30 minutes.
Veteran journalist Anuradha Bhasin also questioned the rapid release of alleged attackers’ images within hours of the incident, raising suspicions about the timing and accuracy of the official response. She criticized the absence of preventive measures despite earlier intelligence warnings.
The BBC report ultimately described the Pahalgam tragedy as a serious failure of India’s security infrastructure, particularly given the area’s prominence as a tourist destination.
