Adil Ahmed Thoker, one of the main terrorists involved in the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, had traveled to Pakistan in 2018. According to sources, he returned six years later, bringing along three to four other terrorists.

From a Village in Kashmir to Terror Training in Pakistan

Thoker, who lived in Gurre village in Bijbehara, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, played a major role in planning the brutal attack at Baisaran meadow.

In 2018, he left Gurre on a student visa to Pakistan. However, intelligence officials had already noticed signs of his radicalization before he left. Sources reveal he had been in touch with individuals linked to banned terrorist groups across the border.

After reaching Pakistan, Thoker cut off all communication with his family. Intelligence agencies lost track of him for nearly eight months. Even close surveillance of his family home provided no new leads.

During this time, officials believe he underwent ideological and military training. Thoker reportedly fell under the influence of handlers associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist group.

Secret Return to India

By late 2024, Thoker reappeared in intelligence reports — but now he was back inside India. Sources say he crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in October 2024, using the rugged and heavily forested Poonch-Rajouri sector, a region known for its difficult terrain and history of illegal crossings.

He brought along a small group of three to four people. One of them was a Pakistani terrorist named Hashim Musa, also called Suleman, another key suspect in the Pahalgam attack. Thoker is believed to have helped Musa cross into India.

Once inside Jammu and Kashmir, Thoker moved carefully, avoiding detection by traveling through forested and mountainous paths. Security agencies briefly tracked him in Kishtwar, but he eventually made his way to Anantnag, possibly through Tral or hidden tracks used by terrorists earlier.

Hiding and Planning

After reaching Anantnag, Thoker went underground. Intelligence reports suggest he sheltered at least one Pakistani terrorist he had smuggled in. They likely used forest hideouts or remote village shelters.

During this period, Thoker reestablished contact with inactive terrorist cells. Officials believe he actively searched for the perfect location and time to launch a major attack aimed at causing mass casualties and gaining international attention.

This phase coincided with the reopening of tourist spots after the Amarnath Yatra ended. In March 2025, Baisaran meadow had reopened to tourists, giving Thoker and his team a clear opportunity.

The Baisaran Massacre

On April 22, at about 1:50 PM, the terrorists, including Thoker, emerged from the thick pine forests surrounding Baisaran. Armed with assault rifles, they quickly moved towards groups of tourists.

Survivors said the attackers questioned some victims about their religion and asked them to recite Islamic verses. Those who could not answer were shot dead. Many victims were shot directly in the head.

Security officials confirmed that at least five terrorists took part. They split into smaller groups and targeted three different areas within the meadow. The entire attack lasted under ten minutes.

By the time help arrived, the scene was devastating. Among the dead were 25 tourists and one local pony operator. Two brave security personnel — one from the Navy and another from the Intelligence Bureau — also lost their lives.

Thoker Officially Named

The Jammu and Kashmir Police later named Thoker as one of the three main suspects behind the massacre. The other two were Pakistani nationals: Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai.

Authorities released sketches of all three and announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for any credible information leading to their capture.

Security forces launched massive search operations across Anantnag, Pahalgam, and nearby forest areas.

On Thursday night, forces destroyed houses belonging to Thoker and another accused, Asif Sheikh from Tral. During these raids, explosives were found inside the houses. Officials said these explosives were either meant for future attacks or set up as traps for security forces.

Asif Sheikh is believed to have had a supporting role, possibly offering logistical or technical help. His exact involvement is still under investigation.