Operation Mahadev: Terror Mastermind Taken Down in Kashmir

In a major counter-terrorism success, Indian security forces carried out Operation Mahadev on July 28, 2025, near Dachigam Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Srinagar. This joint operation, led by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, resulted in the elimination of three heavily armed militants linked to the Pahalgam massacre that took place earlier in April.

What Sparked Operation Mahadev?

The Pahalgam attack on April 22 shook the nation when 26 innocent civilians, including women and children, were killed during a routine gathering in the Baisaran Valley of south Kashmir. Following this tragedy, Indian intelligence agencies began extensive surveillance operations in and around the Anantnag and Srinagar regions. With the help of intercepted satellite phone calls, local informants, and Gujjar tribal inputs, authorities traced the suspects to a forested region in Dachigam.

Once the location was verified, a special unit comprising Para commandos and Rashtriya Rifles launched the assault around mid-morning. In a swift and precise encounter that lasted under three hours, all three suspects were killed. Security forces recovered a cache of weapons, including assault rifles, grenades, and encrypted communication gear.

Who Were the Militants?

The primary target of Operation Mahadev was Suleiman Shah, also known by his aliases Hashim Musa and Musa Fauji. Shah had previously served in Pakistan’s elite Special Services Group as a commando before rising through the ranks to become a key leader in the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. He had been wanted in India for his role in several terror activities, most notably the Pahalgam attack and a deadly ambush in Sonmarg in 2023. A bounty of ₹20 lakh had been placed on him by Indian authorities.

The other two militants killed were Abu Hamza, a foreign-trained infiltrator, and Yasir, also known as Jibran or Afghan. Yasir was reportedly responsible for logistics and coordination for recent attacks in the region. The identification of all three individuals was confirmed through forensic analysis, interrogation of local overground workers, and materials found at the scene, including Pakistani ID cards and military supplies.

Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Role and Its Broader Network

Lashkar-e-Taiba, or LeT, is a Pakistan-based terror group responsible for major attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai siege. It is widely believed to operate with support from Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI. While LeT is not officially linked to ISIS, intelligence reports suggest they have shared resources like weapons and training facilities, with some cooperation seen between LeT fighters and ISIS-K in Afghanistan and border regions.

What the Government is Saying on Operation Mahadev

Following the operation, Home Minister Amit Shah addressed Parliament and confirmed that the identities of all three militants had been verified. He acknowledged the efforts of the security forces and shared that detailed investigations, including questioning of over a thousand people and forensic analysis, helped prepare for the mission.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dismissed claims of any diplomatic pressure over earlier cross-border actions like Operation Sindoor, saying India will continue to act firmly to protect its borders. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the efforts of the security forces, describing the operation’s success as a firm message against terrorism and a meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack.

Conclusion

Operation Mahadev is more than just a successful military action. It is seen as a turning point in India’s internal security strategy, combining real-time intelligence, local coordination, and swift execution. The operation not only eliminated high-value targets but also sent a strong message to terror groups that such acts of violence will be met with firm resistance.

It follows Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist launchpads across the border in May 2025. Taken together, these operations mark a strategic shift in India’s approach to both cross-border and domestic terrorism, reinforcing a policy of zero tolerance.