A Near-Death Escape: How the Hegde Family Survived the Pahalgam Terror Attack

One flick of her hair, a stubborn child’s hunger, and an unexpected craving for Maggi noodles—these seemingly ordinary moments turned into lifelines for the Hegde family of Karnataka, who narrowly survived the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony operator, could have easily ended in tragedy for the Hegde family if not for a series of fateful events.

The Day That Changed Everything
Pradeep Hegde, his wife Shubha, and their 12-year-old son Siddhant had traveled to Kashmir for a family vacation. Their destination was the Baisaran meadows, a stunning, picturesque area often dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland’ for its lush green landscapes and breathtaking views. After a challenging, muddy hour-long horseback ride to reach the top, the family had planned to take in the sights and then head to the adventure activity zone.

However, it was their son’s hunger that altered the course of their day. Siddhant had a strong craving for food, and despite the family’s plan to head toward the activity zone, he was adamant about stopping to eat first. “Around 1:45 pm, we were ready to move, but my son said he was hungry. We tried to convince him to wait, but he insisted, so we went to the makeshift food stalls,” Pradeep recounted. This seemingly minor decision to satisfy Siddhant’s hunger would end up saving their lives.

The Terror Attack
At the food stall, the family ordered Maggi noodles, one of the simplest, most popular snacks in India. As they waited, Shubha Hegde decided to visit the washroom, which was a short distance away—approximately 500 meters from where they were eating. After using the pay-and-use toilet, Shubha returned to the family, took the money for the stall, and went back to the washroom again. By the time she returned to the stall, the rest of the family had already finished eating.

Within moments of Shubha returning and hurriedly finishing her meal, the tranquility of the valley was shattered by the sudden eruption of gunfire. “About 15-20 seconds later, we saw two men with large guns. They were shooting continuously,” Pradeep recalled. Initially, the family didn’t comprehend the severity of the situation. They thought the sounds were part of some unusual activity or even fireworks. However, it soon became clear that they were caught in the middle of a deadly terror attack.

Panic set in as the realization dawned. They quickly dropped to the ground, trying to hide and stay out of sight. “At first, we didn’t realize what was happening, but then we lay down on the ground to protect ourselves,” Pradeep added. It was during this moment of confusion that Shubha, ever practical, remembered the family’s belongings. Their identification cards and phones were in Pradeep’s bag, which had been left on the table where they had been sitting. In a split second, Shubha decided to retrieve the bag, unaware of the danger that loomed just moments away.As Shubha stood up to grab the bag, something terrifying happened. A bullet whizzed past her right ear, grazing her hair. “My wife got up to take the bag, and just as she reached for it, she felt something go past her right ear. It was a bullet,” Pradeep recounted, his voice still shaken by the memory. This close encounter with death left them stunned, but the family remained composed, continuing to lay flat on the ground in an effort to avoid the terrorists’ gunfire.

The family soon realized that the terrorists had split into two groups: one headed toward the lower part of the valley, while the other moved toward their position. The Hegdes, feeling vulnerable and exposed, could only lie still, praying for the danger to pass. “We didn’t know what to do. It all happened so fast. We were just hoping to survive,” Pradeep said.

The Aftermath
The terrorists, associated with the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), carried out a ruthless attack on the unsuspecting tourists in the valley, leaving 25 dead, including one Nepalese national, and several others injured. The victims were from various parts of India and abroad, all of whom had gathered to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kashmir. The attack left the region in shock and grief, further exacerbating the already tense security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the aftermath of the attack, Pradeep and his family were finally able to make their way to safety, along with several other survivors. They were escorted by local authorities to a secure location, where they were provided with medical care and emotional support. The terrifying experience, while physically unscathed, left a deep psychological scar on the family. Despite their close brush with death, Pradeep was grateful that his family had survived, thanks to a combination of quick thinking, fate, and, of course, that fateful craving for Maggi noodles.

Reflections on Survival
In the days that followed, Pradeep could not help but reflect on the series of decisions and events that led to the family’s survival. “It was just a matter of a few seconds, a few moments that made the difference,” he said. Had they not stopped for food, had Siddhant not been hungry at that precise moment, or had Shubha not been compelled to retrieve the bag, the outcome could have been tragically different.

The family’s near-death experience is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the vulnerability of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of terror. It also underscores the resilience of the human spirit in times of crisis. For Pradeep, Shubha, and Siddhant, the memory of the terrifying moments they spent in Pahalgam will forever remain etched in their minds. However, they are also thankful for their lives, and for the simple, yet life-saving, decision to indulge in a plate of Maggi noodles.