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Tue, Nov 11, 2025 | Jumada al-Awwal 20, 1447 | Fajr 05:13 | DXB 
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Dubai expat killed in Pahalgam terror attack during vacation with wife laid to rest in India
The couple had travelled to India for a friend’s wedding after which they visited Kashmir for a short holiday
[Editor's Note: Catch the latest updates on KT's liveblog tracking rising tensions between India and Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack.]
The final rites of Niraj Udhwani, the 33-year-old Indian expat who was tragically shot dead in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, were performed in Jaipur at 10am on Thursday, a close relative of the deceased confirmed to Khaleej Times.
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His mortal remains were transported from Kashmir to Jaipur on Wednesday. “Many of our relatives flew in from Dubai to attend the ceremony, pay their last respects, and stand in solidarity with the grieving family,” the relative added.
Niraj was living and working in Dubai and was among the 26 people killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. A close relative confirmed his death to Khaleej Times.
Niraj Udhwani, a finance professional, was shot dead during the attack while he was on a short vacation in Kashmir with his wife, according to his relative. The couple had travelled to India for a friend’s wedding in Himachal Pradesh.
Niraj was originally from Jaipur and had been a long-time resident of Dubai. He was an alumni of Indian High School and moved to the city during his childhood.
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He was employed as a finance professional with Cognita school group in the city.
According to Niraj’s uncle, R.L. (who wished to remain anonymous), the couple had travelled to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, around six days ago for the wedding, along with other relatives. “After the wedding, they decided to spend a few days in Kashmir. They were in Pahalgam when the incident happened,” he said.
“Niraj got married two years ago in Rajasthan, and was living in the Mina Road Wasl community. His body is now being shifted to Jaipur, where the final rites will be held on Wednesday,” the relative said.
A close friend of Niraj, V.S. (who wished to remain anonymous), told Khaleej Times that a few of their friends also travelled to India for the wedding and returned after it. “As Niraj and his wife had already planned for a vacation, they went to Pahalgam. We are very shocked as to what happened with him,” said the friend.
“Niraj was originally from Jaipur in Rajasthan and had been residing in Dubai since his childhood. He was a chartered accountant and was very bright in his school and college days. He excelled in his job as well and was liked by all our friends and colleagues,” said the friend.
Tributes poured in from across the community following the tragic news of Niraj's death. CAclubindia, a platform for Chartered Accountants, expressed condolences on X.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Neeraj Udhwani, who lost his life in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. He was due to return to Dubai this week, but fate had other plans.”
The post continued, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this unimaginable time. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may his loved ones find strength and courage in this hour of grief.”
They ended the message with a heartfelt note: “Gone too soon, but never forgotten.”
A few of Niraj’s friends were planning to travel for his last rites. “We are sorting the tickets and his final rites will be held tomorrow (April 24) as per the family.”
"Niraj was one of the kindest, most sincere people I have known. It’s hard to believe he’s no longer with us. We are heartbroken. May his soul rest in peace,” said the friend.
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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