J&K: DGP Prisons found dead, LeT's Indian offshoot claims responsibility
What's the story
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP), Prisons Department, Hemant Kumar Lohia, was reportedly found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence in Udheywala on Monday night.
The police launched an investigation into the incident. Lohia is believed to have been murdered by his domestic help.
However, terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) offshoot, the People's Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF), has claimed responsibility for Lohia's killing.
Statement
What did officials say?
J&K Additional DGP Mukesh Singh stated that a probe has been initiated, adding, "Forensic teams and crime teams are on the spot."
"In the initial investigation...it has come to fore that one domestic helper Yasir Ahmad, resident of Ramban, is the main accused," stated the police.
While the PAFF claimed responsibility, the police haven't revealed any terror angle in the incident.
Twitter Post
Take a look at statement issued by LeT's PAFF
Shocking. Terror group Lashkar e Tayyiba’s front TRF claims responsibility for the murder of Jammu Kashmir Director General Prisons Hemant Lohia yesterday. Murder happened on the day Home Minister Amit Shah began his JK visit. pic.twitter.com/yhJwfNghAC
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 4, 2022
Timing
Incident comes amid Home Minister Amit Shah's J&K visit
J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh termed Lohia's killing "extremely unfortunate."
Notably, the incident took place while Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in Jammu & Kashmir after starting his three-day visit late on Monday.
A 1992 batch IPS officer, 57-year-old Lohia reportedly hailed from Assam. He was promoted and appointed as J&K DGP Prisons only in August.
Twitter Post
Watch: Video shot outside Lohia's home in Jammu
SHOCKING NEWS: DGP JK Prisons H K Lohia found murdered in a house at Udhyawala on Gajansoo Road near Baru Resort in Jammu on late Monday night pic.twitter.com/HHVqiA9oCD
— jammukashmir writer (@JammukashmirW) October 3, 2022
Official statement
J&K Police issues statement about the incident
The J&K Police has issued a statement about the incident, saying a manhunt has been launched to nab Lohia's absconding domestic help, Ahmad.
The accused has been working at the senior officer's house for nearly six months.
"Initial investigation reveals that he [Ahmad] was quite aggressive and...under depression," the statement said.
The police also said no terror angle was established in the case yet.
Details
Thorough probe is underway to rule out terror angle
Sources told India Today that no terror act is apparent in relation to Lohia's killing. The publication reported that a thorough probe is, however, ongoing to rule out any such possibility.
The weapon of offense used for committing the crime has also reportedly been seized. Some documentary evidence in regard to the suspect Ahmad's mental state was also recovered by the police.