1. What is Operation Mahadev?
‘Operation Mahadev’ was a highly successful counter-terrorism campaign jointly executed by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police (J&K Police), and the CRPF. The operation was conducted on July 28, 2025, in the dense forests of Lidwas, near Srinagar, at the foothills of the Mahadev Peak, from which the operation derived its name.
This was a precision, intelligence-based operation with the clear objective of eliminating the terrorists responsible for the brutal April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Through meticulous planning and swift action, security forces successfully neutralized three hardcore Pakistani terrorists.
2. Primary Objective: Avenging the Pahalgam Terror Attack
The main goal of this operation was to seek retribution for the heinous terror attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22, 2025. In that attack, terrorists had targeted innocent tourists, leading to the tragic loss of 26 civilian lives. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation, and security forces had been relentlessly hunting for the perpetrators ever since. ‘Operation Mahadev’ was the decisive culmination of this manhunt, sending a powerful message that the spilling of innocent blood will not go unpunished.
3. Full Timeline and Sequence of Events
‘Operation Mahadev’ was the result of days of careful surveillance and intelligence gathering.
- Intelligence Input: Security agencies tracked the presence of a terrorist group in the Lidwas forests through encrypted communication devices.
- The Cordon: On the morning of July 28, the Army’s Para Special Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, and the J&K Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) established a tight cordon around the area.
- First Contact: At approximately 11 AM, as the search party closed in on the terrorists’ hideout, they came under heavy fire. The forces immediately retaliated.
- Elimination: After a few hours of intense firefight, the security forces successfully neutralized all three terrorists. One injured terrorist attempted to flee but was quickly tracked down and eliminated.
- Search Operation: Post-encounter, a massive search and sanitization operation was launched in the area to ensure no other terrorists were hiding.
4. Terrorists Neutralized: Who Was Mastermind Suleiman Shah?
Among the terrorists killed in this operation was the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack, identified as Suleiman Shah, alias Hashim Musa.
- Suleiman Shah: According to reports, Shah was a former commando of the Pakistan Army’s elite Special Service Group (SSG). He later joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit. He is believed to be the chief architect who planned and executed the Pahalgam attack.
- Other Terrorists: The other two terrorists killed have been identified as Jibran and Hamza Afghani, who were reportedly involved in several other terror-related activities in the valley.
5. The Strategic Importance of Operation Mahadev
This operation was more than just an encounter; it represents a significant victory in India’s counter-terrorism strategy.
- Leadership Eliminated: The death of mastermind Suleiman Shah is a major blow to the command structure of terror outfits in the region.
- Intelligence Success: The operation highlights the success of India’s intelligence network and the excellent synergy between different security agencies.
- A Clear Message: It sends a strong message to terror handlers across the border that India is capable and resolute in avenging attacks on its soil.
- Public Trust: This success further strengthens the public’s faith and confidence in the security forces.
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6. Weapons Recovered and The Path Forward
A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site, including:
- One M4 Carbine Rifle (US-made)
- Two AK-47 Rifles
- 17 Rifle Grenades
- Other war-like stores
The recovery of these advanced weapons suggests the terrorists were planning another major attack. Security forces are now intensifying their investigation to dismantle the over-ground worker (OGW) network that supported this module.
7. Official Statements and Reactions
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the success of the operation on social media. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah praised the security forces for the successful operation during the ongoing Parliament session. Families of the Pahalgam attack victims also expressed their satisfaction, calling it a major step towards justice.
Indian Army Official Website:
Press Information Bureau (PIB) India:
- Link:
https://pib.gov.in
Important MCQs based on ‘Operation Mahadev’
Question 1: What was the codename given to the successful counter-terrorism operation recently conducted by Indian security forces in the Lidwas forests near Srinagar?
(a) Operation Rakshak
(b) Operation Sarv Vinash
(c) Operation Mahadev
(d) Operation Vijay
Answer: (c) Operation Mahadev Explanation: The operation was named ‘Operation Mahadev’ as it was carried out in the foothills of the Mahadev Peak near Srinagar.
Question 2: The primary objective of ‘Operation Mahadev’ was to eliminate the mastermind of which terror attack?
(a) Pulwama Terror Attack (2019)
(b) Pahalgam Terror Attack (2025)
(c) Uri Terror Attack (2016)
(d) Pathankot Airbase Attack (2016)
Answer: (b) Pahalgam Terror Attack (2025) Explanation: The operation was specifically launched to neutralize the main conspirators behind the brutal attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025.
Question 3: What was the identity of the top Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist and the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack who was killed in ‘Operation Mahadev’?
(a) Ghazi Haider
(b) Burhan Wani
(c) Riyaz Naikoo
(d) Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa
Answer: (d) Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa Explanation: Suleiman Shah, who was also a former commando of the Pakistan Army, was the high-value target eliminated in this operation.
Question 4: ‘Operation Mahadev’ was a joint operation conducted by which of the following security forces?
(a) Indian Army and CRPF only
(b) BSF, CRPF, and J&K Police
(c) Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF
(d) NSG and Indian Army
Answer: (c) Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF Explanation: It was a successful joint operation involving the coordinated efforts of the Indian Army (Para SF and RR), Jammu & Kashmir Police (SOG), and the CRPF.
Question 5: Among the weapons recovered from the encounter site after ‘Operation Mahadev’ was a prominent American-made assault rifle. What is the name of that rifle?
(a) SIG Sauer 716
(b) M4 Carbine
(c) Tavor TAR-21
(d) SCAR-H
Answer: (b) M4 Carbine Explanation: The cache of arms recovered from the slain terrorists included one American-made M4 Carbine rifle, two AK-47s, and other ammunition.
