Lashkar terrorist held for Army jawan’s murder, say police

Army jawan Sameer Ahmad Malla, who was posted in Jammu, had taken leave and was visiting his family in Lokipora Budgam. According to family members, he went missing last Monday

A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was arrested in connection with the killing of soldier Sameer Ahmad Malla, Jammu and Kashmir police said on Monday.

Police had said the soldier’s body was found in Labren village of the district three days after he went missing

Malla, who was posted in Jammu with the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), had taken leave and was visiting his family in Lokipora Budgam. According to his family members, Malla had stepped out of the house on last Monday and did not return. Police had said the soldier’s body was found in Labren village of the district three days after he went missing.

“Case of death of soldier Sameer Ahmad Malla of Khag Budgam turned to be terror act of abduction & murder. One terrorist associate of LeT terror outfit involved in the crime arrested. Other 03 LeT terrorists involved also identified & shall soon be dealt under law,” Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar tweeted on Monday.

Police officials familiar with the investigation into Malla’s killing said three other people associated with LeT have been identified.

In 2018, Malla was detained by police along with then army major Leetul Gogoi and a local girl from the reception of a local hotel in Srinagar for which the major was ultimately indicted for “fraternizing” with a local woman. In 2017, Gogoi had triggered outrage in Kashmir after he tied a local weaver to the bonnet of his jeep and drove around.