Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Twenty-nine-year-old Army jawan Zakaria Lalhriattluanga died following a violent road-rage attack in Mizoram. The soldier, posted in Srinagar with the Assam Regiment, was home on leave. He was the sole provider for his elderly parents, 78-year-old VL Duailova and 60-year-old Lalthazovi.
The trouble started on September 20 along NH-306 between Bualpui and Thingdawl. Zakaria and his friend, truck driver John Laltanpuia, were driving to New Builum village. They stopped for tea at a friend's house before hitting a traffic jam caused by poor road conditions. John confronted a driver coming the wrong way. A group of 20 youths returning from a picnic in a pick-up truck arrived at the scene. They beat John, then turned on Zakaria when he tried to intervene. Another friend, Lalchawiliana, also sustained injuries during the brawl.
Zakaria's mother confirmed the financial devastation left by his death. "Zakaria was the sole breadwinner of our family. He was our everything as we can no longer earn a living since we are old. He had also taken loans to build our house. His death has left us devastated," Lalthazovi said. She had expected him home by 6:30 p.m. before the attack occurred.
Police moved fast. Officers arrested eight people, including two minors and a woman. Kolasib Superintendent of Police Lalrinpuia Varte confirmed that five adults were placed in judicial custody. The two teens went before the Juvenile Justice Board. Angry residents of New Builum protested outside the Kolasib district jail on Tuesday. They forced police to publicly identify the suspects. The community now demands the harshest possible penalties for the group.
Comments