A senior police officer in Jammu and Kashmir was murdered at his friend’s home last night. His help, who is missing, is the main suspect, the police say.
Hemant Kumar Lohia, the officer in charge of prisons, was found with his throat slit and burn marks on his body at a friend’s house on the outskirts of Jammu, where he had been living while his own home was being renovated.
Lohia, 57, a 1992 batch IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, was appointed Director General of Prisons (J&K) in August.
Early investigations and security footage point at his domestic help, Yasir Ahmed, senior Jammu police officer Mukesh Singh said.
So far, there is no terror angle in the crime, the police say.
Yasir Ahmed had been suffering from severe depression, according to the police, who have seized the weapon and evidence including his diary. His photo has been released to the public for help to track him down.
He is believed to have used a broken ketchup bottle to slit Mr Lohia’s throat. He allegedly tried to set the body on fire.
“The security guards broke into Lohia’s room after they saw flames. The room was locked from inside,” said Singh.
CCTV footage shows the suspect running away after the crime, he said.
“Police have also seized some documentary evidence, including his diary, reflecting his mental state,” he said.
The incident was reported on a day Union Home Minister Amit Shah began a three-day visit to the Union Territory.
With inputs from NDTV
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