Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Out On Vacation, Indore Man Shot Dead After He Reveals Christian Identity; Family Shares Horrific Details

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): “They made him kneel down, asked him to recite Kalma. When he revealed his Christian identity, they shot him dead,” revealed Vikas Kumrawat, grieving family member of Phalgam Terrorist Attack victim Sushil Nathaniel. 

Sushil is one of the 27 victims of horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack that was reported in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. He belonged to Indore and had gone for a family vacation in Kashmir.

Sushil's daughter Akanksha was also shot in her leg.

According to information, Sushil Nathaniel was a resident of B-68 Veena Nagar, MR 10 under Hiran Nagar police station in Indore.

Sushil's brother

In a conversation with Free Press, Sushil's brother, Vikas Kumrawat, revealed the harrowing details of the incident. He stated that the terrorists first forced Sushil to kneel and then compelled him to recite the Kalma. When Sushil identified himself as a Christian, the terrorists opened fire killing him on the spot. 

Sushil's sister-in-law

Regarding the incident, Sushil's sister-in-law, Jemma informed the media that they received the information through Sushil’s son Austin around 9 - 9:30 pm on Tuesday night. 

“Today they have done this, in future, they will kill more people. The people are not safe. They went on a vacation and got killed," she urged.

Deceased’s daughter shot in leg

Sushil's daughter Akanksha was also shot during the attack and sustained a bullet injury to her leg. Before confronting the attackers, Sushil managed to hide his wife, potentially saving her life. Sushil was employed with the LIC branch in Alirajpur. 

Indore Collector visits victim family 

Indore Collector Asheesh Singh visited the affected family on Wednesday morning and paid his condolences. Regarding the tragedy he said, “I visited the family today and assured them that we are in constant touch with the local administration in Jammu & Kashmir. Efforts are underway to ensure that the mortal remains are brought back to Indore smoothly. The injured family member has only minor injuries.”

FP PhotoMurder over religion?

Sushil was reportedly questioned about his religion before being executed. His brother Vikas said that Sushil along with his family went to Pahalgam on a few days tour, this was not expected at all to happen. 

Vikas added that Sushil's son called him over the phone and conveyed the news that Sushil was killed by the terrorist in the attack. Vikas said that this tragic incident underscores the broader threat posed by the attackers, who are now seen targeting individuals based on their religious identity. Local corporator Raju Bhadouria informed the Free Press that information of Nathaniel's death shocked the city. He was friendly and his son Goldy is a sportsman. Nathaniel's daughter is an officer at a nationalised bank.