Sushil Nathaniel, a 58-year-old LIC branch manager from Indore, had last met his extended family over Good Friday and did not tell them about his family’s private getaway in Pahalgam. As his wife, son and daughter walked around the picturesque Valley, their trip turned to a nightmare, in a chaos of screams and gunfire, the family last saw Nathanial, on his knees being shot by a gunman.
He was among 26 victims of the tragedy in Baisaran Valley, which occurred at 2:45 pm. His daughter Akanksha, 30, was injured with a gunshot to the leg, while his wife Jennifer, 54, and son Austin, 21, survived.
The family had travelled to Kashmir on April 21 to celebrate Jennifer’s birthday — a private getaway that ended in heartbreak.
Nathanial was born in Indore, and belonged to a Christian family. Family was central to Sushil’s life. He was married to Jennifer, a government school teacher in Khatiapura, and together they raised two children: Akanksha, a Class I officer at the Bank of Baroda in Surat, and Austin, a badminton player. Sushil also cared for his 87-year-old grandfather, a Second World War veteran who is now hard of hearing, shouldering significant responsibilities with quiet resolve.
Sushil worked as a branch manager at LIC’s satellite office in Alirajpur, a role he took on with dedication. Recently promoted, he was eager to prove himself, known for his hard work and patience. Colleagues valued his calm demeanor, as he explained tasks to agents without losing his temper, earning him respect and camaraderie in the office.
Security personnel stands guard in Srinagar. (Express Photo: Shuaib Masoodi)
The family’s last gathering before the trip was at church on Good Friday, where they spoke briefly and looked forward to Easter. Sushil, nearing the end of a three-year stint in Alirajpur, was excited to return to Indore permanently.
The trip to Pahalgam was a small family affair, kept private. On the day of the attack, the family had momentarily separated.
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Jennifer had revealed about what transpired to her brother-in-law Vikas over the phone. Vikas said, “Akanksha and Austin were ahead near a gate, while Sushil, needing to use the restroom, was accompanied by Jennifer. It was then that terrorists confronted them. Sushil acted quickly, urging Jennifer to hide, and faced the attackers alone. Forced to kneel, he was asked his religion. He replied that he was Christian and, when pressed to recite the Kalma, could not. The terrorists shot him dead”.
Akanksha, caught in the violence, was shot in the leg and hospitalised.
The news reached Sushil’s brother Vikas that evening when Austin called at 9:30 pm, saying: “Papa ko goli lag gayi, papa ki death ho gayi hai (Papa has been shot. He’s dead)”. Akanksha, clinging to hope, told The Indian Express, “I am searching for my father. That’s all I want.” Refusing surgery, she insisted on seeing her father’s body one last time and is now accompanying his remains back to Indore for the funeral.
Susan Nathaniel, an aunt of the family expressed frustration at the system, noting: “When terrorists are caught, they are put in jails and given a death sentence after years. Government should take proactive steps to ensure this doesn’t happen.” On her niece’s death she emphasised that “humans have a right to live, regardless of religion.”
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She has requested that Austin be given a job in Sushil’s place at LIC to support them. “The Indore collector has assured Vikas that the administration will provide assistance. The family needs all the help it can get. Sushil had been bearing all the load of the family and was working towards setting ensuring his son also lands on his feet. The government should ensure he gets a job,” she said.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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