...
Skip to content

Who killed Hemant K Lohia DG of Prisons in J&K?

Who killed Hemant K Lohia DG of Prisons in J&K?
Who killed Hemant K Lohia DG of Prisons in J&K?

REPORTED BY

Follow our coverage on Google News

Jammu and Kashmir police said domestic servants were involved in the murder of Director General of Prisons H K Lohia and the accused is on the run. The police also said that so far there is no apparent terrorist act as a thorough investigation is underway to cover all angles.

In a statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said that in the initial investigation into the incident of the death of DG Prisons, HK Lohia, it came to light that a domestic worker, Yasir Ahmed, a resident of Ramban, is the main accused.

“Some CCTV footage collected from the scene of the incident also shows the alleged defendant running away after committing this crime,” the statement said, adding that Yasir had been working on the house for nearly six months.

“Initial investigation reveals that he was quite aggressive in his behaviour and was also under depression according to sources,” the statement said. “So far, there is no apparent terrorist act based on the initial investigation, but a thorough investigation is underway to rule out any possibility. The crime weapon has been seized in addition to some documentary evidence reflecting his mental state.”

Police have also released photographs of the accused stating that anyone who obtains information about him or sees him anywhere, the information must be shared with the police. On Monday night, DG Prisons was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his Jammu residence. The domestic worker was found at large.

PAFF claims responsibility

Meanwhile, the Indian branch of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Popular Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF), claimed responsibility for the murder of Hemant Kumar Lohia, DGP (Department of Prisons) Jammu and Kashmir.

  • In a press release, the PAFF terror team said, “Our special squad carried out an intelligence-based operation in Udaiwala, Jammu, eliminating Police DG, Prison Department HK Lohia, a high-value target.”
  • The PAFF has claimed responsibility for all recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including attacks against non-locals. Threatening to carry out more high-profile operations, the terror group warned that it can “strike anytime, anywhere with precision.”
  • “This is a small gift for your visiting Home Minister in the midst of such a security net,” the PAFF said, referring to Amit Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Mobile data services have been temporarily suspended in Jammu and Rajouri districts.

Who was Hemant K Lohia?

Born in 1965, Hemant K Lohia was an IPS officer in 1992. He was appointed DG Prisons in August 2022. He had an excellent three-decade career. He once stopped a suicide attack in Lal Chowk of Srinagar. Before being selected as general director of the prison, he participated in a series of anti-terrorist operations. Lohia was born on January 17, 1965. His father’s name was Shyam Sundar Lohia. He studied law before joining the Indian Police Service. He was also the commander of the SDRF.

Fittingly, the DG Prisons murder took place at a time when Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in Jammu. Shah arrived in Jammu on Monday afternoon and is scheduled to address a mega rally in Rajouri and in the Baramulla district of Kashmir.

ALSO READ

You can connect with Ground Report on FacebookTwitterKoo AppInstagram, and Whatsapp and Subscribe to our YouTube channel. For suggestions and writeups mail us at GReport2018@gmail.com

Author

Support Ground Report to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India

We do deep on-ground reports on environmental, and related issues from the margins of India, with a particular focus on Madhya Pradesh, to inspire relevant interventions and solutions. 

We believe climate change should be the basis of current discourse, and our stories attempt to reflect the same.

Connect With Us

Send your feedback at greport2018@gmail.com

Newsletter

Subscribe our weekly free newsletter on Substack to get tailored content directly to your inbox.

When you pay, you ensure that we are able to produce on-ground underreported environmental stories and keep them free-to-read for those who can’t pay. In exchange, you get exclusive benefits.

Your support amplifies voices too often overlooked, thank you for being part of the movement.

EXPLORE MORE

LATEST

mORE GROUND REPORTS

Environment stories from the margins