Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested 11 individuals, including two minors, in connection with the murder of Sumit Jandyal, who was killed on January 21 near Jewel Rotary. The authorities quickly launched a special investigation team (SIT) under the leadership of SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh.
The attack occurred when multiple shots were fired at Jandyal, after which the assailants fled on a stolen grey scooty. Despite being rushed to GMC Jammu, the victim succumbed to his injuries. Senior police officials immediately began inspecting the scene while various teams launched extensive investigations in search of the culprits.
Through human intelligence, technical surveillance, and CCTV footage, the SIT tracked down the attackers. Their probe revealed that the murder was the result of a long-standing feud between Sumit Jandyal and Vikas Slathia, also known as Vicky Slathia. It’s alleged that Slathia ordered the killing to avenge the death of his associate Akshay Kumar, who was killed in 2023.
The investigation also uncovered connections to a previous incident in 2023, when a police operation at GMC Kathua led to the death of PSI Deepak Sharma and the elimination of notorious criminal Vasudev Kumar, alias Shunnu. Vikas Slathia allegedly masterminded Jandyal’s murder in retaliation for these events.
Police further discovered that Harsh Singh, alias Banta, who maintained close communication with Slathia, was responsible for recruiting the shooters. The group rented accommodations in Shastri Nagar to plan the crime and sourced weapons from outside the region. To carry out the murder, the conspirators purchased a car worth Rs 1.05 lakh a week before the attack and monitored Jandyal’s movements for four months.
In addition to the arrests, the police recovered two cars and the scooty used during the crime from different locations across Jammu and Samba. The police have now arrested 11 individuals, including shooters, conspirators, and those providing logistical support, but one suspect remains at large.
Authorities are also delving into financial transactions related to the planning and execution of the crime. They’ve identified the main conspirator, believed to be directing operations from abroad, and are currently working to have him deported.
