Afghan soldier hailed as hero lands behind bars

PESHAWAR: The reputation of Afghan soldier Esa Khan who overnight became a hero in Afghanistan for foiling the attack on the Parliament building has suffered badly after getting arrested for his involvement in a fatal traffic accident in Kabul.
The 28-year old Esa Khan, who belongs to the eastern Laghman province, was credited with killing six of the seven Taliban suicide bombers before they could enter the Parliament building in Kabul on June 22. He was hailed as a hero by President Dr Ashraf Ghani and gifted a three bedroom house.
Vice President General Abdul Rasheed Dostum gave him a new Toyota pick-up and some money. Media reports from Kabul said Esa Khan was driving the same Toyota pick-up when he hit a civilian who was killed in the accident. Esa Khan was detained by the police who are investigating the case.