Bullet grazes past mother’s ear in chilling Pahalgam terror attack

A family from Sirsi, Karnataka — Shubha Hegde, Pradeep Hegde, and their son Siddhanth Hegde — had a narrow escape during the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. The family, who were on a holiday, had gone up the scenic Baisaran valley, also known as "Mini Switzerland", by horse, unaware of the horror awaiting them.

Also Read: Pakistan’s dangerous game: Shielding terror amid rising tensions

While taking a break for tea and Maggi at a local shop, they heard what sounded like a gunshot. “It sounded like a cracker,” said Shubha Hegde. The shopkeepers reassured them it was nothing to worry about. Moments later, terrorists opened fire nearby — from the same spot where the family had just taken pictures.

In a harrowing moment, as Shubha bent to pick up her bag, a bullet whizzed past her ear, striking the ground next to her. “We immediately lay flat inside the shop, piling over each other,” she said. “That bullet could have hit me.”

With help from locals, they ran amid a stampede, dodging chaos and bloodstains. A horseman guided them for part of their 5-kilometre escape. On the way, they encountered armed men, unsure if they were security or attackers. The family finally reached Srinagar after five tense hours.

Their miraculous escape has left them shaken but safe.