An Indian Navy Officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, was killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The attack, which targeted a group of tourists, left at least 26 people dead, including two foreign nationals.
Lt Narwal had travelled to Kashmir following his marriage on April 16, with a reception held on April 19. He was on his honeymoon with his wife while on leave.
The couple had plans to visit Europe for their first trip together as a married couple. However, they had to change their plans because of visa issues. Following which they decided to go to Kashmir.
Dedicated and Promising Officer
Hailing from Karnal, Haryana, Lt Narwal had joined the Navy just two years ago and was known among peers and superiors as a dedicated and promising officer, defence officials confirmed to ANI.
Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, and all Personnel of the Indian Navy are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lt Vinay Narwal who fell to the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this moment of unimaginable grief.… pic.twitter.com/4x5OH7zUmq
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 23, 2025
“He was married 4 days ago. Everybody was happy,” the deceased’s neighbor Naresh Bansal told ANI. “We have received the information that he was killed by terrorists, and he died on the spot. He was an officer in the Navy.”
“We were just having bhelpuri… and then he shot my husband. The gunman said my husband was not a Muslim and then shot him,” the officer’s wife said in a trembling voice.
Background and Family
An engineering graduate, Vinay joined the Navy as a lieutenant three years ago, and he was posted in Kochi, Kerala. Vinay’s father, Rajesh Kumar, works as a superintendent in the Customs Department in Panipat. His grandfather, Hawa Singh, retired from the Haryana Police in 2004. His mother, Asha Devi, and grandmother, Biru Devi, are homemakers. Vinay’s younger sister, Srishti, is preparing for civil services in Delhi.
Vinay was engaged to Himanshi from Gurgaon two months ago after their family fixed the match. Himanshi is pursuing a PhD and takes online classes for children. Himanshi’s father, Sunil Kumar, is an Excise and Taxation Officer in Gurgaon.
According to family members, Vinay took leave for the wedding on March 28, married on April 16 in Mussoorie, and had a reception in Karnal on April 19. “They had planned a honeymoon in Europe, but it was canceled due to visa issues. Instead, they left for Jammu and Kashmir on April 21 and stayed in a hotel in Pahalgam on April 22. After dining, they went to the destination point where the terrorist attack occurred,” said a family member.
Vinay was supposed to celebrate his 27th birthday on May 1 on his return from J&K. “The family planned a big party upon his return from the honeymoon,” said Amit, a family member. Vinay and Himanshi were supposed to return to Kochi on May 3, where they had booked a rest house.
Neighbour Naresh Bansal said the house was filled with joy due to the recent wedding. “We got to know on Tuesday evening that terrorists shot Vinay after asking his name, while Himanshi narrowly escaped,” said Bansal.
Vinay’s grandfather, Hawa Singh, said Vinay attended Sant Kabir School in Karnal and later studied engineering in Delhi. “He prepared for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam since school but was unsuccessful. He then prepared for the SSB and was selected for the Navy three years ago,” said Singh.
#WATCH | #PahalgamTerroristAttack | Karnal, Haryana | Indian Navy Officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal’s grandfather, Hawa Singh, says, “We request the government that such people (attackers) be given strict punishment and terrorism be ended by any means necessary…” https://t.co/pm9ZOPXSjR pic.twitter.com/Y9Njizezka
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025
Hawa Singh added that their family has a history of military service. His uncle and Vinay’s maternal grandfather’s brother were also in the army, with the latter having fought alongside the British. His nephew is also in the army. Hawa Singh himself was in the BSF before joining and retiring from the Haryana Police.
Lieutenant Narwal’s grandfather said, “We request the government that such people (attackers) be given strict punishment and terrorism be ended by any means necessary…”
PM Modi’s Statement
In a post on X, PM Modi stated that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” PM Modi said.
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger,” he added.
I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025