Bitan Adhikari, 36, a tech professional recently back from the US, was among the victims of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. Originally from Patuli, Kolkata, Bitan had flown home to reconnect with his wife Sohini and their three-year-old son. Their family getaway to Kashmir, meant to bring relief from recent financial strain, ended in heartbreak.

The Adhikaris had left for their trip on April 16 and were due to return by April 24. Bitan’s cousin Dipak, overwhelmed with grief, revealed that he had encouraged the vacation to lift their spirits. “They invited me to join them, but I stayed back. Now I keep asking myself—how do I face his son?”

Dipak also mentioned he had urged them to avoid risky activities like horse rides. “We were in touch daily. I had warned him… now look at what happened.”

Neighbours in Patuli were equally stunned. Rathindranath Krishna, a longtime acquaintance, shared, “Bitan stayed in the US for work while his family lived here. This news has left all of us shaken.”

Political leaders swiftly responded. TMC Minister Aroop Biswas visited the grieving household, offering full support. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her sorrow on social media after speaking with Sohini. She promised to ensure Bitan’s body is brought home and extended her condolences to all affected families, denouncing the “inhuman act of terror.”

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