NEW DELHI: The families of two Chhattisgarh labourers tragically killed in a terrorist attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claim that the attackers verified the victims’ identity and religion before opening fire. This incident closely mirrors accounts from the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025, where similar targeting was reported.
Deepak Ratrey, hailing from Bundeli village in Sakti district, was one of the labourers shot dead when terrorists targeted a brick kiln in Kulgam on Friday night. The second victim has been identified as 28-year-old Bhupendra Bhaina from Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district.
In an interview with ANI, Deepak’s uncle, Haldhar Ratrey, asserted that the attackers specifically asked about the victims’ community and caste before carrying out the assault. “From what we’ve heard, the terrorists shot him after asking about his caste and community. They fired at a labourer after asking his identity,” he alleged, underlining the chilling nature of the attack.
While officials have yet to confirm these details, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed similar sentiments on X, stating that the labourers were “identified” prior to their killings, which he described as indicative of the “cruel mindset of terrorism.”
This violent incident follows the deadly shooting of Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag, who was on duty for the Amarnath Yatra. It marks the first terror attack in Kashmir since the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. Survivors from that attack reported similar targeting based on religious identity.
Deepak relocated to Jammu and Kashmir approximately a year ago for work at a brick kiln, serving as the sole breadwinner for his family. He leaves behind his wife, a one-year-old son, an elderly mother, and a disabled brother. His family has called upon the government to repatriate his mortal remains to Chhattisgarh for last rites and to provide financial aid to them in this trying time.
Rupendra Patel, the Sakti Sub-Divisional Magistrate, confirmed that the local administration is in ongoing communication with the bereaved family and is coordinating with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the swift return of Deepak’s body.
In response to the killings, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for each victim’s family. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the attack and instructed officials to work closely with their Jammu and Kashmir counterparts to ensure the return of the bodies.
Both Deepak Ratrey, aged 24, and Bhupendra Bhaina, aged 28, sought work in Kashmir, where they found employment at the kiln. Deepak had moved to the region around seven to eight months ago with his wife, and he is survived by an elderly mother, a physically disabled younger brother, a wife, and their four-month-old son. Bhupendra had recently arrived in Kashmir with his wife, leaving their four-year-old son in Chhattisgarh with relatives.
