Woman found dead in suspected rape-murder, Naga CSOs rally for swift arrests and justice

April 9, 2025 13 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 9

On April 7, the dead body of one woman was found in a suspected rape and murder, sending shock waves across the Naga social spectrum. The lifeless body of the victim, a vegetable vendor by profession and around 35 years of age, was discovered half clothed and throat slit at a secluded area in Pimla village, Chümoukedima.

Details of the subsequent police investigation remained vague but as per official sources, the victim was said to have been last seen around 10:00-11: 00 am. Her body was found hours later in the evening, at around 7:00 pm, following a search by villagers.

What the police investigation have yielded so far included the recovery of the suspected murder weapon, a dao, in a pond near where the body was found. As per independent sources, atleast five suspects were detained for interrogation by the police. But police sources denied detaining or arresting any in connection to the case.

The police remained tightlipped even as condemnations and demands for justice poured in from various quarters.

The day after the death was discovered, April 8, a host of Naga civil society organisations (CSO) led by the Zeliangrong and Tenyimi organisations descended at the District Hospital, Dimapur, where post mortem was conducted, and the body handed over to the victim’s family. The organisations included the Zeliang People Organisation Dimapur, Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur, Tenyimi Women Organisation, Tenyimi Union of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima, Tenyimi Youth Organisation, Maikham Village Council, and Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO).

Addressing a brief public rally outside the district hospital morgue, the organisations appealed the justice system to arrest the perpetrators and dispense punishment commensurate to the crime. They also marched to the office of the Commissioner of Police.

As told by the President of the Zeliang People Organisation Dimapur at the rally, the Commissioner of Police has set up a Special Investigation Team comprising of his best officers. He said that there is no place for people who commit such a crime, while adding, “We are hopeful the perpetrators will be arrested very soon and given the highest degree of punishment.”

While the police has assured of arresting the culprits, the Tenyimi Women Organisation said that the CP sought the cooperation of the public as well. “We are all ready to cooperate with the investigation,” said its president.

The DAYO maintained that the case must be brought to a logical conclusion. According to it, the incident should serve as an eye opener. It said that the perpetrators should be caught and justice served, justice that would serve as a deterrent for other potential criminals. “We are confident the police will do its job. We are ready to support the police,” said the DAYO executive member, Abenjang.

Dy CM assures
Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton, in a statement assured the police of full state support “to ensure that justice is delivered.” “The police are pursuing every lead and examining all aspects of the case. Those responsible must face the full force of the law,” he said.

He maintained that violence against women remains a grave concern and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. “Such acts violate the very foundation of human dignity and the rule of law. There can be no justification for such cruelty,” he added.

He further urged the public to support the investigation. He said, “If anyone holds any information, however small, I appeal to them to come forward and assist the authorities.”