J&K DGP Prisons murdered with ketchup bottle, domestic help nabbed
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has nabbed the prime accused in the alleged murder of J&K Director General of Police (DGP), Prisons Department, Hemant Lohia—his domestic help, Yasir Ahmed. The top cop was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his Udheywala residence on Monday night. Reportedly, his throat was slit with a broken ketchup bottle. Ahmed had been on the run since last night.
Why does this story matter?
Lohia's alleged murder comes amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah's three-day J&K visit. Hours after the unfortunate incident, however, an offshoot of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for Lohia's killing. While cops are yet to establish any terror links, the 57-year-old's death comes as a shock to the state administration. From J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to senior police officials, many expressed grief.
Domestic help nabbed after hours of investigation
The police managed to nab Ahmed within hours of Lohia's killing. The 23-year-old had been the prime suspect on the basis of security footage and preliminary investigation. He had reportedly been hired only six months ago. Cops had launched a full-scale manhunt to trace him and also released Ahmed's picture seeking help from the public. A broken ketchup bottle—allegedly the murder weapon—was also seized.
Interrogation of accused has started: Police
Lohia murdered with ketchup bottle: Police
Lohia was "applying oil on his swollen foot" when he was allegedly attacked with a broken ketchup bottle. Ahmed purportedly suffocated Lohia, used the bottle to slit his throat, and then tried setting his body on fire. Security guards broke into the DGP's room after they saw flames. Meanwhile, Jammu Additional DGP Mukesh Singh told NDTV that Ahmed had been suffering from severe depression.
Ahmed's diary entries show signs of depression
The police reportedly seized Ahmed's personal diary and found signs of depression in the entries. It had notes like, "Dear death come into my life," and "I'm sorry I am having a bad day, week, month, year, life." His mind was purportedly focused on death. One entry said, "I hate my life," while another stated, "Life is just grief." Another said, "My Life 1%."
Terror outfit claims responsibility, L-G expresses grief
LeT offshoot People's Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF) has claimed responsibility for Lohia's killing. However, the police haven't confirmed terror links. A 1992 batch IPS officer, Lohia hailed from Assam. He was promoted and appointed as J&K DGP Prisons only in August. "Hemant Lohia was an outstanding police officer and a great human being. He served the country with great honor and dedication," L-G Sinha stated.
