Actor Pankit Thakker narrowly escaped Reasi terror attack; shares 'horrifying' experience

Indian actor Pankit Thakker narrowly escaped the recent terror attack in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. He was travelling to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra when he learnt about the attack and had to return to his hotel without completing his yatra.

For those uninitiated, terrorists opened fire on a 53-seater bus carrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra from the Shiv Khori temple. The bus plunged into a deep gorge following the gunfire, killing nine people and injuring 41 others.

Speaking to ToI, the actor shared, "It was horrifying. It took me days to come out from the experience and talk about it. I have seen people in pain and the rush. It was scary. I am deeply saddened and outraged by the recent terror attack in Jammu Reasi. The violence that has been going on in Jammu and Kashmir in the past few days is absolutely shameful. It is disheartening to witness innocent lives being lost and the escalating tensions in the region."

He added, "My heart goes out to all the victims and their families who have been affected by this brutal attack. It is devastating to think that people's lives are being torn apart by such acts of violence. Jammu & Kashmir has always been a land of unparalleled beauty, but these incidents tarnish its reputation and disturb the peace that the region yearns for. Attack in Jammu Reasi is yet another reminder that we must stand united against such acts of cowardice and evil."

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday detained 50 suspects, officials said.

"Significant leads have been uncovered, aiding in the identification and capture of those who may be potentially involved in orchestrating the attack. To ensure a comprehensive probe, search operations have been expanded to cover the far-flung areas of Arnas and Mahore," the spokesperson added.

(With inputs from agencies)