UAE resident was on holiday with wife in Kashmir when attack took place
Dubai: An Indian expatriate in Dubai was among the 26 people killed in a terror attack in the Pahalgam area of India-administered Kashmir, on Tuesday, a family friend confirmed to Gulf News.
Niraj Udhwani, a 33-year-old finance professional, was on a holiday with his wife Aayushi when gunmen opened fire in the popular tourist zone, Niraj’s friend, who didn’t want to be named, said.
He said the whole community is in shock. “There were other friends also who travelled to India for the wedding. After the wedding, while most of their group returned, they (the couple) decided to spend a few days in Kashmir before flying back to Dubai. Everyone is so shocked and saddened after hearing this tragic news,” he added.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Cognita Schools, said in a statement to Gulf News that the school community was “deeply saddened” by the passing of Niraj.
Describing him as “a much-loved and respected member of the finance team,” the spokesperson said he was “a dedicated and inspiring member of staff, and a kind, generous colleague.”
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” the spokesperson added.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Niraj was a finance manager with the group. Prior to that, he worked for an investment and management group in the field of education and a couple of insurance companies.
Grew up in Dubai
Hailing from Jaipur in Rajasthan, Niraj had been residing in Dubai since childhood, according to his family members in India. After his studies at The Indian High School Dubai, he graduated from the University of Rajasthan and went on to become an ACCA-qualified accountant.
Indian newspapers quoted Niraj’s uncles, who confirmed his death. “He was supposed to return to Dubai from Kashmir this week after the vacation,” his uncle Prakash Udhwani told Hindustan Times.
Another uncle, Bhagwan Das Udhwani, told The Indian Express that Niraj and Aayushi had married in February 2023 and had no children.
Also Read:
Indian expats from Dubai narrowly escape Pahalgam terror attack by a day
Quoting Aayushi, Prakash said, she was in the hotel when the attack began and later discovered Niraj was among those killed. “She heard some sounds of bullets and cries of people. She came out and realised some people had opened fire in the valley. When she was searching for her husband, the local police officials informed her at night that Niraj is dead,” said Prakash.
Strict action
Niraj’s body is being transported to Jaipur via Delhi. The family has called for strict action against the perpetrators of the attack, reports said.
“Those terrorists should be punished. The government should not leave them. We only want action against them. That would be the only justice to Niraj,” Prakash said.
The attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including tourists and a local pony handler. Several others were injured in the strike — one of the deadliest in recent years targeting civilians in the region.
