Pune man's daughter performs last rites in blood-stained clothes

PUNE: The last rites of Pune's Santosh Jagdale , among those killed in the attack, were performed Thursday by daughter Asawari - with blood stains still visible on her clothes.

Jagdale was killed alongside Kaustubh Gunbote, his childhood friend who had gone to Pahalgam with him and their families. They were the two casualties from Pune. Gunbote's funeral was also held Thursday.

The spotlight, though, was on Asawari, an HR professional who displayed remarkable strength amid immense grief. "We were clicking pictures when we heard gunshots, followed by screams. We hid behind tents with our family friends (Gunbote and family). Then, I saw my father and uncle (Gunbote) being shot, right in front of my eyes," Asawari recalled, describing the attackers as "monsters".

Despite the unimaginable tragedy, Asawari stood firm behind her shattered family, consoling her mother, managing formalities and coordinating with authorities in Maharashtra. "It's difficult to believe I cremated my father. I'm only 26, but I had to be strong for my mother and the family. I can't break down," she said.

Asawari's composure drew widespread admiration. "It took us over 24 hours to bring him home. I'll never forget the kindness of strangers who helped us, including our driver and an Army officer. They stayed with us through it all."

Asawari demanded justice, asserting that no one "deserves to die like this". "I'll carry this pain forever. But I'll also carry my father's strength."