Pahalgam terror attack: 15-month-old baby 'saves' Odisha couple from massacre

Sometimes, fate works in mysterious ways — and for Asim Sahu and Sunita Nayak of Sector 3 in Rourkela, it was their 15-month-old son who became their guardian angel.

The young couple had set out on a much-awaited trip to Kashmir, carrying dreams of witnessing the stunning beauty of the valley. With their little boy in tow, they journeyed towards the picturesque town of Pahalgam, unaware of the danger that lay ahead. 

They were just 20 minutes away from their destination when an unsettling feeling took hold of them. Concerned for their infant son’s comfort and health in the changing weather, they made the spontaneous decision to turn back.

What seemed like a minor parental instinct turned out to be a life-saving move. Only hours later, news broke out about the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Now safe and back from their trip, Asim and Sunita reflect on the chilling twist of fate.

Couple Recounts Horror

“We lived in a houseboat on April 21 and on the next day we were supposed to leave for Pahalgam at around 12 pm. But my child cried a lot, delaying our plans. When on our way, we spotted a lot of army vehicles and ambulances,” said Nayak.

Sahu said, “On our way to Pahalgam, we stopped midway to change the diaper of our son. In the meantime, we were informed about the terrorist attack. Soon after, army personnel came and asked tourists and drivers to stand separately. Then we were informed about the terrorist attack and directed to vacate the place immediately.”