A 29-year-old soldier serving in the Indian Army lost his life on Sunday evening after being brutally assaulted by a group of youths following a traffic altercation in Mizoram's Kolasib district. The incident took place along National Highway-306 near Bualpui village while the soldier was traveling home on vacation. Authorities swiftly intervened following the clash and took eight people into custody, including two minors.
Soldier Was Returning Home from Jammu and Kashmir
The deceased soldier, identified as Zakaria Lalhriattluang, was serving with the Assam Regiment and had been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. He had taken leave to visit his native place, New Builum village, located in Kolasib district. Superintendent of Police Lalrinpuia Varte stated that Zakaria had landed at Lengpui airport near Aizawl earlier in the day, where his friend John Laltanpuia met him to drive him home.
Traffic Dispute Escalated into Physical Assault
The two men were proceeding toward Kolasib in a truck when they encountered a group of youths from Kawnpui town near Bualpui. The youths were reportedly heading back after attending a picnic. According to the police chief, an ordinary traffic disagreement erupted between the two vehicles, quickly degenerating into a violent physical confrontation. Zakaria sustained severe fatal injuries and died on the spot, while Laltanpuia, who was driving the vehicle, escaped with minor injuries.
Murder Case Registered Against Eight Accused
Following a formal complaint submitted by the deceased soldier's mother, law enforcement authorities registered a murder case and subsequently detained all eight individuals linked to the attack. Officials confirmed that six of the accused individuals are slated to appear before a judicial magistrate, while the two minor suspects are being referred to the Juvenile Justice Board for further proceedings under juvenile law.
Ex-Servicemen Body Demands Stringent Action
The killing of a serving soldier while visiting his home state has triggered widespread sorrow and outrage. The Mizoram Ex-Services League issued a statement expressing profound distress over Zakaria's demise and strongly condemned the brutality of the assault. The association urged law enforcement and state authorities to deliver prompt justice and initiate strict legal measures against every individual involved in the deadly road-rage incident.
