Kolasib: A 29-year-old Army soldier was allegedly beaten to death in a road-rage incident in Mizoram’s Kolasib district while he was returning to his native village during leave, with eight people arrested in connection with the case.
The deceased, identified as Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, was travelling with his friend John Laltanpuia, a truck driver, on September 20. The two were reportedly on their way to New Builum village when an altercation broke out over traffic movement on a stretch of road affected by poor conditions.
According to eyewitness accounts cited in the report, the incident took place on NH-306 between Bualpui and Thingdawl. The two men reportedly encountered a truck travelling on the wrong side of the road because of the condition of the highway. An argument followed between John and the truck driver.
Group Of Youths Allegedly Attacked Army Man
During the altercation, around 20 youths associated with a hockey team from Kawnpui reportedly arrived at the spot in a pick-up vehicle. Witnesses alleged that some of them had consumed alcohol after returning from celebrations at a resort near Thingdawl.
The youths allegedly pulled John out of the vehicle and assaulted him. Zakaria reportedly tried to intervene and requested them to stop, but he too was attacked. A friend who came to the location after hearing the commotion was also allegedly assaulted.
Zakaria was reportedly left beside the road after he became unable to move. His family later learnt about the incident when he failed to reach home as expected.
Zakaria Was Supporting His Elderly Parents
Zakaria’s mother, Lalthazovi, said her son had joined the Assam Regiment in 2017 and was posted in Srinagar. She described him as the family’s main financial support, saying his elderly parents were no longer able to earn a livelihood.
His father, VL Duailova, is over 78 years old, while his mother is 60. The family said Zakaria had also taken loans to construct their house.
His mother appealed to the authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that the law takes its course.
Eight Arrested In Connection With Case
Police have arrested eight people, including two minors and a woman, in connection with the incident. According to Kolasib Superintendent of Police Lalrinpuia Varte, five of the accused were sent to judicial custody, while the two teenagers were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Residents of New Builum also staged a demonstration outside the Kolasib district jail, demanding justice for Zakaria. Police subsequently brought the arrested suspects before the protesters and publicly identified them, according to local community representatives.
The case has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, while the police investigation continues.
