Murder plotted by Slathia to avenge Vasudev’s death: SSP Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 5: Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) have solved the sensational murder case of Sumit Jandial alias Gataru, who was shot dead near Jewel Chowk on January 21, 2025.
Addressing media persons at District Police Lines (DPL) here today, SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh said that eleven accused, including two juveniles, have been arrested so far in the case, while efforts are on to nab two remaining culprits.
The incident occurred at 1:40 pm when unknown assailants fired multiple rounds at Jandial, who was travelling in a red Thar (JK21G-0770). The attackers fled the spot after snatching a grey Scooty (JK02DL-8834). Police rushed the injured to GMC Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The SSP Jammu said that taking swift action, senior police officers visited the crime scene, and launched a massive investigation.
According to him, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), he was heading, was formed to crack the case and over 30 suspects were rounded up, with raids conducted in Jammu, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
He said the investigations revealed that the murder was a result of an old enmity between Vikas Slathia alias Vicky Slathia of Gurha Slathia, Samba, and the deceased, Sumit Jandial of Vijaypur.
According to him, the rivalry dated back to 2023, when Akshay Kumar, an associate of Jandial, was killed by Slathia’s group in Ramgarh.
During police action in that case, gangster Vasudev Kumar alias Shunnu was also killed in a shootout at GMC Kathua, where PSI Deepak Sharma was martyred, he said.
Seeking revenge for Vasudev Kumar’s death, the SSP Jammu said, Slathia allegedly plotted Jandial’s murder.
As part of the conspiracy, he said, Harsh Singh alias Banta, a resident of Bikram Chowk, was contacted to arrange shooters.
The assailants then rented a room in Shastri Nagar for planning the crime and procured weapons from outside J&K, he said.
“A black Alto car (JK02AP-6546) was purchased for Rs 1.05 lakh a week before the attack to conduct surveillance,” the SSP Jammu said.
After four months of meticulous planning, he said, the murder was executed.
The senior police officer said that police have recovered the black Alto, an i20 car (JK12C-5339) used in the crime, and the snatched Scooty.
“So far, 11 persons, including shooters, conspirators, and those who provided shelter, have been arrested,” said Joginder Singh, SSP Jammu.
According to him, two other persons wanted in the crime are absconding while police are working hard to arrest other people who planned the crime or provided logistical support.
Police are also tracking financial transactions linked to the crime and making efforts to bring back the main conspirator, who is currently abroad, he said.
Asked about the prevailing atmosphere of fear in the region due to repeated crimes, particularly theft incidents, the SSP Jammu said that Jammu and Kashmir Police are committed for the safety of the people and the force will work tirelessly to control the crimes in the region.
Meanwhile, the police officer issued a stern warning to criminal elements, urging them to abandon their activities or face strict action.
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