Pahalgam Attack Mastermind Among Three Terrorists Eliminated in Operation Mahadev

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In a significant breakthrough, Suleiman Shah, also known as Hashim Musa, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the devastating Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025, was among three terrorists neutralized in “Operation Mahadev” on Monday, July 28, 2025. The operation, led by a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), took place in the Mulnar area of Harwan, near Dachigam National Park in Srinagar. The successful operation marks a major victory for security forces who had been pursuing Shah for over three months.

Sources indicate that Suleiman Shah, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, was a former commando of the Pakistan Army’s elite Special Service Group (SSG). He is believed to have infiltrated Indian territory in September 2023 and subsequently became active in the Rajouri-Poonch region before shifting his focus to South Kashmir. Besides the Pahalgam attack, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 tourists, Shah was also linked to an incident in October 2024 where seven civilians involved in the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel were killed and an attack in Baramulla resulting in the deaths of four security personnel. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had previously announced a ₹20 lakh (approximately 24,000 USD) reward for information leading to his capture.

“Operation Mahadev” was initiated based on intelligence inputs, with security forces maintaining both physical and electronic surveillance. The operation reportedly intensified after suspicious Chinese ultra radio communications, often used by LeT for encrypted messages, were detected. During the intense firefight, an M4 carbine, two AK-47 rifles, and 17 grenades were recovered from the terrorists’ hideout, a testament to their readiness for significant acts of violence. The other two terrorists killed in the operation were identified as foreign nationals, with one believed to be Yasir, another alleged participant in the Pahalgam attack.

The successful elimination of Suleiman Shah and his associates is a substantial blow to terror networks operating in the region and a vindication of the persistent efforts of Indian security forces. This operation follows “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precision strikes conducted by India in early May targeting terror infrastructure across the border in response to the Pahalgam attack. The continued vigilance and proactive operations by security agencies remain crucial in maintaining peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.