How Operation Mahadev tracked, hunted and eliminated Pahalgam attackers

One year after the brutal terror attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, that left the nation in shock, Operation Mahadev stands as a defining example of India’s sustained counter-terror resolve, culminating in justice for the victims after a relentless 93-day pursuit.

On April 22, 2025, terrorists carried out an execution-style attack on unarmed tourists in the scenic meadows of Pahalgam, targeting civilians based on identity. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and grief, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from the Indian Army and security agencies.

Within hours, troops reached the attack site and began reconstructing the sequence of events. Eyewitness testimonies, corroborated by intelligence inputs, identified three Pakistani terrorists—Sulaiman Shah, Hamza Afgani and Jibran Bhai, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, as the perpetrators.

Operation Mahadev was launched soon after, evolving into one of the most extensive counter-terror operations in recent years. Security forces moved swiftly to seal escape routes and prevent the terrorists from fleeing the Kashmir Valley. Intelligence agencies employed a combination of human intelligence (HUMINT), technical intelligence (TECHINT), and survivor accounts to track the attackers’ movements.

As the operation progressed, the terrorists were traced moving across the upper reaches of south Kashmir, including Hapatnar, Bugmar and Tral, eventually taking refuge in the dense forests along the Mahadeo Ridge in Dachhigam. The challenging terrain, marked by high altitude and thick vegetation, slowed movement but also helped narrow down the search area.

By late May 2025, the operational grid had expanded significantly, with additional forces, including elite PARA (Special Forces) units, deployed to intensify the search. With the Amarnath Yatra approaching, security concerns escalated, prompting further tightening of the operational cordon.

Technology proved critical in sustaining pressure on the terrorists. Drones, surveillance aircraft, and electro-optical sensors enabled continuous monitoring of difficult terrain, while real-time intelligence sharing ensured swift tactical adjustments on the ground.

The decisive phase began on July 10, 2025, when fresh intelligence inputs led to coordinated operations across Lidwas, Harwan and Dachhigam. Security forces systematically blocked escape routes, compressing the search area from over 300 square kilometres to just 25 square kilometres.

On July 28, 2025, after nearly three months of pursuit covering over 250 kilometres, a PARA (Special Forces) team executed a precise operation deep inside the forested terrain. Advancing stealthily for hours, the team engaged and neutralised all three terrorists, effectively bringing those responsible for the Pahalgam massacre to justice.

One year on, Operation Mahadev is being remembered not only for its tactical success but also for its demonstration of coordination among the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, intelligence agencies, and central forces. The operation underscored the role of advanced surveillance technology, meticulous planning, and sustained operational pressure in counter-terror missions.

For the families of the victims and the nation at large, the operation remains a symbol of accountability—reinforcing the message that acts of terror will be met with determined and prolonged response until justice is served.

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