'Dombivali Bandh' Today In Mourning After Pahalgam Terror Attack Claims 3 Local Lives

Dombivali: A day after a gruesome terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians, including several tourists, the suburb of Dombivali near Mumbai has plunged into deep mourning. Among those killed were three residents of Dombivali, Sanjay Lele (52), Atul Mone (44) and Hemant Joshi (43), all members of an extended family on a trip.

MLA Ravindra Chavan Appeals For 'Dombivali Bandh' Today

In response to the tragedy, a bandh has been declared across Dombivali on Thursday, April 24, as a mark of respect to the deceased and in protest against the attack. The call for the bandh was made by local leaders and supported by political parties, social groups, and business associations. Dombivali MLA Ravindra Chavan appealed to residents to observe the bandh, stating, "Let us participate in the spontaneous Dombivali Bandh to pay tribute to the innocent lives lost and strongly condemn this act of terrorism."

Thousands of grieving citizens gathered at Bhagshala ground on Wednesday to receive the coffins of the victims. The three families had travelled to Kashmir for a summer vacation that turned tragic when militants opened fire in the scenic Baisaran valley of Pahalgam. The incident also left Harshal Lele, the 20-year-old son of Sanjay Lele, injured with a bullet wound on his finger.

Pakistan Murdabad Slogans Chanted

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Dombivali to offer condolences and met the bereaved families. Emotions ran high at the gathering, with mourners chanting slogans like “Pakistan Murdabad” and demanding action against terrorism.

Sanjay Lele, who was the brother-in-law of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Rajesh Kadam, had travelled with his wife Kavita and other family members. Atul Mone and Hemant Joshi, cousins of Kavita, lived within a kilometre of the Lele residence in Dombivali East.

Following the attack, Kadam rushed to Kashmir, while Kalyan-Dombivali MP Dr Shrikant Shinde coordinated efforts to bring the bodies back. Accompanied by a team of Shiv Sena leaders, the mortal remains were flown to Mumbai and transported to their respective homes in Dombivali. Local authorities including Thane Collector Ashok Shingare, MLA Ravindra Chavan MLA Rajesh More, and Kalyan's administrative officials were in continuous contact with the grieving families to provide support.