Operation Mahadev is a high-stakes anti-terror operation launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF on July 28, 2025, in the Harwan–Mulnar forest range near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar. The mission was launched to neutralize terrorists behind the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives earlier this year.
What is Operation Mahadev?
The operation is named after the Mahadev Peak, a prominent landmark in the area, and has become one of the most successful intelligence-led missions in recent times.
Mission Planning and Intelligence Gathering
The operation followed over 14 days of continuous surveillance, tracking high-value terrorists via satellite intercepts, drone footage, and local informants. Intelligence agencies identified movements of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives suspected of planning further attacks.
Acting on this credible intelligence, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, in coordination with CRPF and J\&K Police, launched a pre-dawn cordon and search operation in the dense forests.
Encounter and Neutralization
By mid-morning on July 28, 2025, the encounter began and within a couple of hours, three terrorists were gunned down. Among them was Hashim Musa aka Suleiman Shah, a top LeT commander and prime mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror strike. The others are believed to be foreign militants who recently infiltrated across the LoC.
Security forces recovered a large cache of arms including AK-47 rifles, M4 carbines, grenades, and coded communication devices, confirming the group’s intention to launch another major attack.
Operation Mahadev: Tabular Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Name | Operation Mahadev |
| Date Launched | July 28, 2025 |
| Location | Harwan–Mulnar, near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar |
| Named After | Mahadev Peak |
| Security Forces Involved | Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu & Kashmir Police |
| Terrorists Killed | 3 (including mastermind Hashim Musa aka Suleiman Shah) |
| Weapons Recovered | AK-47s, M4, grenades, encrypted satellite devices |
| Target Objective | Neutralize Pahalgam attack masterminds |
| Strategic Outcome | Major success in Kashmir anti-terror operations |
Who Was Hashim Musa (Suleiman Shah)?
Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman Shah or Musa Fauji, was a former Pakistan Army SSG-trained commando turned LeT field commander. He entered Indian territory in early 2025 and orchestrated the deadly Pahalgam attack.
His elimination marks a significant blow to LeT’s command structure and cross-border terror logistics in the Kashmir Valley.
Impact and Reactions
J\&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha praised the courage of security personnel and confirmed the operation’s success. He emphasized that no terrorist will be spared and that strong counter-terror actions will continue.
Tourism bodies also welcomed the operation, as it restores public confidence after the Pahalgam tragedy had disrupted local tourism.
Conclusion: Operation Mahadev stands as a testament to India’s counter-terror strategy and inter-agency coordination. The elimination of the Pahalgam mastermind not only avenges a brutal attack but also disrupts a larger terror module planning chaos in the Valley. It reflects the growing precision of Indian intelligence and operational execution in one of the world’s most challenging terrains.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from national news sources. The names and details may be updated as official investigations progress.