Pahalgam Attack: Maharashtra juice seller survives, mistaken for victim in emotional mix-up

In an emotional twist of fate, Santosh Laxman Jagdale, a juice seller from Sangli, found himself at the center of a tragic misunderstanding following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Just an hour before the horrendous terrorist attack that claimed the lives of at least 28 innocent people, mostly tourists, Jagdale was at the very location where the attack unfolded.

"I am Santosh Laxman Jagdale. My namesake Santosh Eknath Jagdale, also from Maharashtra, was killed in the attack," the 49-year-old told PTI.

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Since news broke and his name surfaced in national media as one of the victims, his phone has been inundated with calls throughout the night and into the morning. "I have been getting calls from my village people, kin and friends, asking about my wellbeing," he recounted.

Recalling the moments leading up to the attack, Jagdale said, "We left the spot of the attack an hour before the firing began, unaware that the decision to return to Pahalgam would save our lives."

He was with a group of four—his wife, a friend, and his friend’s wife—traveling by car instead of on ponies. After returning to their hotel, it was only then that they learned of the horrific events that had transpired just moments after their departure.

"I am now waiting to catch the first flight home from Srinagar," he said, while adding, "I haven't been able to get flight tickets so far." The emotional toll of the day did not escape him, as he navigated the shock of surviving an event that cost others their lives.

BJP MLA from Sangli, Sudhir Gadgil, has also found himself inundated with inquiries about Jagdale's wellbeing. "Since this morning, I have been explaining to the callers that the Santosh Jagdale who died was from Pune and Santosh Jagdale from Sangli is very much alive," he said, highlighting the confusion that has surrounded this tragic incident.