Jammu. Police on Tuesday said that the initial probe into the murder of Jammu and Kashmir Director General (Prisons) Hemant Kumar Lohia has not revealed the terrorism aspect and the prime suspect in the case is his. Efforts are on to arrest the domestic helper.
He was murdered at Lohia’s residence on the outskirts of Jammu late Monday night. Terrorist group People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) has claimed responsibility for the killing of Lohia. The incident comes at a time when Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Several teams have been formed to nab the suspected criminal Yasir Lohar (23), a resident of Halla-Dhandrath village in Ramban district, officials said.
Director General of Police Dilbag Singh termed the incident extremely unfortunate and said that the domestic help is absconding and a search is on for him. Giving information about the matter, Singh said that the suspect also tried to burn 57-year-old Lohia. Lohia was appointed Director General of Prisons in August.
Additional Director General of Police (Jammu region) Mukesh Singh said Lohia, 52, a 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was found dead and slit at his Udaiwala residence on the outskirts of the city. He said preliminary investigations at the site indicated that Lohia may have applied oil on his leg, which was showing swelling. He said the killer used a broken bottle of ‘ketchup’ to slit Lohia’s throat and later tried to burn the body.
The ADGP said that the watchmen present at the officer’s residence saw a fire inside his room. The door of the room was locked from inside, which had to be broken. He said that the preliminary investigation at the crime scene points towards murder.
The terrorist group ‘PAFF’ claimed that its “special squad” carried out the incident. PAFF said in an online statement that this is the beginning of such a sensational campaign to warn this Hindutva regime and those who support it. We can attack anytime and anywhere with precision. This is a small gift for his Home Minister who is on tour with security arrangements. If God willing, we will continue such campaigns in future also. (Language)
