Three lifelong friends from Dombivli, who had known each other since birth and often played cricket together at Baghshala Maidan, tragically lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The trio—Atul Mone, Sanjay Lele, and Hemant Joshi—had travelled to Kashmir on April 20 during the summer vacation. They were killed in the attack on Tuesday, while another member of their group was injured.
A total of nine individuals, including Atul Shrikanth Mone (43), his wife Anushka (35), and daughter Rucha (18), were residents of Shriram Anchal Society near Samrat Chowk in Thakurwadi, Dombivli. Hemant Suhas Joshi (45), his wife Monika (41), and their son Dhruv (16) lived in Savitri Housing Society near Baghshala Maidan. Sanjay Laxman Lele (50), his wife Kavita (46), and their son Harshal (20) were residents of Vijayshree Society in Vishnunagar.
Atul Mone, a railway employee, had lost both parents—his father many years ago, and his mother seven years back. His brother Amol Shrikant Mone, who resides in Wangani, stated that the family had no sisters, only the two brothers. After receiving the tragic news, Amol and his family rushed to Dombivli. Rucha, Atul’s daughter, had recently completed her Class 10 exams. This was Mone’s second visit to Kashmir, the first being two years ago.
Hemant Joshi, known for his love of cricket and travel, worked at Transglobal Shipping and Logistics Pvt. Ltd. A hardworking individual, he had studied at Mhatre School and later graduated from Pendharkar College in Dombivli. Married to Monika since 2008, Hemant was admired for his academic excellence and work ethic. His son Dhruv had also just finished his Class 10 exams. While his father is no more, Hemant’s mother is still alive.
Sanjay Lele’s son, Harshal (20), sustained a finger injury after a bullet grazed him. Despite being wounded, he courageously answered calls from relatives and offered them reassurance during the crisis, earning praise for his composure and bravery.
A total of 43 tourists from Thane district had travelled to Kashmir. According to the Thane district administration, three were killed in the Pahalgam attack, while 40 others were safely rescued.
The return of the victims’ bodies drew thousands of grieving residents to Baghshala Maidan in Dombivli. Heavy police security was deployed at the site as people gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased trio.
