AIZAWL/KOLASIB: A 29‑year‑old soldier who had flown home for leave was allegedly assaulted and killed after a roadside dispute on Sunday evening on NH‑306 near Bualpui village in Kolasib district, police said on Monday. Authorities have detained eight people in connection with the incident, including two juveniles.
Sequence of events
Superintendent of Police Lalrinpuia Varte said the deceased has been identified as Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, a jawan serving with the Assam Regiment who was posted in Jammu and Kashmir. Zakaria had reached Lengpui airport near Aizawl and been received by a friend, John Laltanpuia, before they set off for the soldier’s native village, New Builum, in Kolasib district.
While driving towards Kolasib in a truck, the two were involved in an altercation with a group of youths returning from a picnic in the Kawnpui area, the SP said. The confrontation, which police described as beginning with a traffic disagreement, escalated into physical violence.
"A minor traffic dispute reportedly broke out between the two groups and escalated into a fight,"
Varte said Zakaria sustained fatal injuries and died at the spot. Laltanpuia, who was driving the vehicle, suffered minor injuries.
Action by police
Following a complaint lodged by the soldier’s mother, Kolasib police registered a case of murder and carried out investigations at the scene near a coffee plantation along the highway. So far, eight people have been taken into custody; six adults are to be produced before a magistrate, while the two minors will be sent to the Juvenile Justice Board, the SP added.
- Victim: Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, 29, serving in the Assam Regiment.
- Location: NH‑306, near Bualpui village, Kolasib district.
- Arrests: Eight persons detained, including two juveniles.
- Legal steps: Murder case registered; adults to face magistrate, minors referred to JJB.
Local impact and context
The incident has raised concerns about road safety and law and order on the stretch of NH‑306 that connects Aizawl to northern districts. Kolasib district is not witnessing frequent violent outbreaks, making the attack on a serving soldier a particularly sensitive matter locally. The involvement of juveniles has drawn attention from child welfare and juvenile justice authorities, who will decide on custody and rehabilitation measures under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Police said investigations were ongoing and that they were recording statements from witnesses and those detained. For now, no charge sheet has been filed; the case will proceed after the arrested adults are produced before the magistrate and the juvenile proceedings begin.
Officials' statements and procedural notes
Varte confirmed the deployment details and that Zakaria was on authorised leave at the time of the incident. The police have not yet disclosed the identities of the accused beyond indicating that six are adults and two are minors. Medical and forensic teams were reportedly called to the site, and post‑mortem arrangements are expected to follow standard procedures for an on‑duty or service‑related death occurring while the person was on leave.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deceased | Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, 29 |
| Service | Assam Regiment (posted in Jammu & Kashmir) |
| Location | NH‑306, near Bualpui village, Kolasib district |
| Arrests | 8 persons (6 adults, 2 minors) |
| Case | Murder registered; further probe ongoing |
What happens next
The police said the six adults will be presented before a magistrate and the juveniles placed before the Juvenile Justice Board as per procedure. Investigation teams will collect further evidence, including mobile records and CCTV footage where available, and the post‑mortem report will inform the next stage of legal action.
Local authorities have been asked to provide assistance to the victim’s family and to ensure that law and order is maintained while the probe continues. The Army has not issued a public statement so far regarding the soldier’s death.
Further updates are expected as Kolasib police complete initial probe steps and pursue charges against the accused.
