Mokokchung Police forms SIT to probe February 22 murder case

February 25, 2023 65 Views No Comment

Mokokchung, February 25 (MExN): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SPDO Mokokchung has been set up to investigate the murder case of Imkongjeba Kichu (34 year) from Chungtia village on February 22 last.

According to a police official, a case has been registered at Mokokchung Police Station II, following which the SIT was instituted.

Citing the deceased family, the Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) stated that Imkongjeba had left for a funeral at Chungtiayimsen on February 20. The unfortunate incident happened while he was returning from the funeral with one of his friend; a gypsy blocked their road between Satier and New Camp.

“More people hiding behind bushes came and ambushed the vehicle and dragged the victim out of the car,” NLSF stated in a condemnation note.

“Later, his dead body was found around 4:00 pm in the middle of a brook in a harmed, unrecognisable state with disturbed face, bruised, wounded, teeth shaky and fallen, skin torn and bruised. Major injuries on head and prominent marks in neck were also visible,” it added.

Strongly condemning the brutal murder, NLSF said the federation is shocked that the life of a youthful member from Chungtia village was nibbed in the bud by the evil action of the criminals that too in a day light which is understandably a premeditated murder. ‘Such act of violence is not the answer even against anybody, it is purely a purging which is undesirable for a society like ours,’ NLSF said.

Further, the federation said it expects from the State Government to apprehend the perpetrators of crime and they be brought to justice immediately.

Meanwhile, the friends and batch mates of Imkongjeba Kichu, from the graduating class of 2007 Kohima Science College, Jotsoma have also vehemently condemned the brutal killing of their ‘dear friend, an engineer by profession with a law degree and a former President of Chungtia Students’ Union (CSU).’

The class of 2007, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma in a press release stated that they are ‘profoundly troubled, shocked, and outraged by this heart-wrenchingly barbaric and inhumane act’ that happened on February 22.

“This cold-blooded killing has deprived our society of a leader and a champion working fervently towards equal rights and opportunities for our people,” it stated.

Recollecting Imkongjeba Kichu as a ‘fine gentleman, humble and upright, kind-hearted and honest,’ the batchmates said, “A fun-loving person by nature, who could instantly connect with anyone, Achi, as we fondly called him, was ardently admired by all those who knew him. He possessed innate leadership qualities and had a promising bright future ahead.”

His vital role with CSU as Vice President (2016), President (2017-2018), Executive Member (2018 till the time of his demise), and with Sabangya Compound Lanur Telongjem as Vice President (2021), and President (2022), stands as a testament to his prowess, they stated.

They also called on the authorities to ensure prompt, independent, impartial, and effective investigation into this brutal murder. “Such acts of cowardice have no place in our society, and we demand that this criminal investigation be fast-tracked as a top priority. Those responsible should account for fair trials.”

“We condemn those who choose violence, fear or exclusion over peace and dialogue. Violence only begets violence and there can be no justification for its use to achieve any political or social goals,” they added.