In a tragic incident to India’s security community, Mainsh Ranjan, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) Section Officer originally from Bihar and currently posted at the IB office in Hyderabad, was among the 28 victims killed in the horrific terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. Ranjan was on a Leave Travel Concession (LTC) visit with his family when militants opened indiscriminate fire on tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow, turning a peaceful holiday into a nightmare.
The attack, carried out by four militants from the Pakistan-based terror group The Resistance Front (TRF), targeted a group of tourists enjoying the scenic valley near Pahalgam, a renowned tourist and pilgrimage destination. The militants fired continuously for several minutes before fleeing the scene, leaving behind a trail of devastation and loss.
Mainsh Ranjan, serving as a Section Officer in the IB’s Hyderabad office, was vacationing with his family when the attack occurred. His death underscores the indiscriminate nature of terrorism that spares no one, not even those who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation. The IB officer’s sacrifice has deeply saddened colleagues, friends, and citizens across India, who have expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, immediately condemned the “heinous and dastardly” attack and cut short his trip to return to India. He assured the nation that the perpetrators would be brought to justice swiftly and that India’s resolve to fight terrorism remains unshaken.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached Srinagar to oversee security operations and coordinate the manhunt for the attackers. Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, calling it one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent years.
The loss of an Intelligence Bureau officer during a family holiday has brought home the brutal reality of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the risks faced by citizens and security personnel alike. Mainsh Ranjan’s dedication to national security and his untimely death have been mourned widely on social media, with tributes pouring in from government officials, security agencies, and the public.
Authorities have intensified search operations to apprehend the remaining militants, while providing medical aid and support to the injured. The government has also announced compensation and assistance for the families of the victims, including the bereaved family of Mainsh Ranjan.
