Morung Express News
Kohima | October 26
In a shocking incident, the body of a 22-year-old woman was found under mysterious circumstances at Old Ministers’ Hill Colony in Kohima on Saturday morning, prompting the police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.
The deceased reportedly hails from Jakhama Village and currently resides in Kohima.
Despite repeated attempts by this newspaper’s reporter to obtain preliminary information, the Kohima Police PRO declined to provide any details, citing concerns over compromising the ongoging investigation process.
However, as per sources close to the family, the victim, an avid basketball player, had left home on Friday evening to play basketball after informing a friend.
As she did not reach her destination and her phone reportedly went unreachable shortly thereafter, several were made attempts to trace her through friends and contacts, but the efforts proved unsuccessful.
On Saturday morning, tenants in the neighbourhood raised an alarm after discovering a body near a ring well below her residence. The body, which reportedly bore visible wounds, was found covered with firewood and a sack.
The Kohima Police confirmed that a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team had conducted an examination at the site and that the body was later handed over to the family after the post-mortem. The details or findings of the post-mortem report have not been disclosed yet.
Meanwhile, the police informed that an SIT has been constituted to investigate the case.
The incident has left the family and community in deep shock and grief, the victim, youngest among four siblings was described by those who knew her as God-fearing, disciplined, and soft-spoken.
A graduate, she was also a promising basketball player who had represented various teams at different levels.
Jakhama Village Council, SAYO demand for swift justice
Meanwhile, the Jakhama Village Council (JVC) has strongly denounced the incident, describing it as a “brutal and senseless act of violence” that has left the community in shock and grief.
Expressing utmost resentment and disbelief, it condemned the silence and inaction that often follow such crimes, stating that while the loss of their daughter is an irreparable tragedy, the absence of justice would be an unbearable torment.
Accordingly, the JVC appealed to the authorities to expedite the investigation with “utmost urgency and diligence” to identify and apprehend the perpetrator(s).
“Ensure that the investigation is done with transparency and prosecute the culprit(s) with the severest of punishment without any leniency,” it added.
The Council also called on the public to cooperate with the investigating agencies, however insignificant it may seem, but at the same time refrain from circulating unverified information.
The JVC further stated that it will not let the death be in vain and will not rest until justice is served.
It also appealed to the concerned authorities to take necessary and concrete steps to improve the safety and security of all citizens, particularly women and children, so that such acts are not repeated again.
The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) also expressed deep shock and profound dismay over what it termed a “cold-blooded murder” and vehemently condemned it as an “inhuman and lawless act of the perpetrators.”
Accordingly, the SAYO urged the concerned authorities to expedite the investigations and take stringent action against the culprits to ensure justice for the victim’s family.
Noting that such incidents have been occurring with alarming frequency across the State and raising serious concerns for women’s safety, SAYO urged the State Government and law enforcement authorities to adopt swift and effective measures to prevent their recurrence.
The organisation further appealed to the general public, civil organisations, and right-thinking citizens for a unified call against such acts of injustice and social disorder, and to work together for peaceful coexistence in society.
Expressing its condolences to the family, SAYO also assured total support in such times of grief and loss.
