Dimapur Police says clear case of murder; SIT formed to probe incident
Eastern Mirror Desk Dimapur, Dec. 18: In what has been described as a clear case of murder, the dead body of former general secretary of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee and two-time member of the erstwhile Dimapur Town Council, Kevi Zakiesato was found outside his office at Zakiesato colony in Dimapur on Dec. 18. The corpse of the 59-year-old man was found with the legs and the hands tied by a rope; and the mouth taped. Police found injury marks on the head, suspected to have been hit by a blunt object. The Commissioner of Dimapur Police, Limasunep Jamir told reporters on Tuesday evening that the death was reported to the police at 11:50 am. According to Jamir, preliminary examination indicated signs of scuffle, and the body being dragged outside from the room. Some broken glasses and drops of blood were also seen splattered inside and outside the room, he said. The Dimapur Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter with the additional deputy commissioner of police, Relo T Aye as team leader. The team include Kaino H Sema, ACP ‘C’ Division, Dimapur; Among Jamir, Unarmed Branch Inspector (UBI) OC west police station, Dimapur; and N Likao Odyuo, (UBI) CI of Zone II Dimapur. Stating that the police will not leave any stone unturned to ‘bring out the truth,’ Jamir has urged the family members and public to keep their trust and cooperate with the Dimapur Police. The commissioner has also requested everyone to maintain peace during the festive season. Meanwhile, the additional deputy commissioner of police, Relo T Aye stated that it was a clear case of murder. He mentioned that upon examination, they could interpret some signs of scuffle and struggle inside the room before he was dragged outside. It may be mentioned that Kevi Zakiesato served as a chairman of Zakiesato colony ward II council before his death. He served as NPCC general secretary and president of DCC, Dimapur. He is survived by wife, a son, and three daughters. Meanwhile, sources informed the funeral service will be held on Dec.19 at 2.30 pm at his residence at Zakiesato colony. Rio promises justice Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed shock at the ‘sudden demise’ Zakiesatuo who was found dead ‘under mysterious circumstances.’ In a condolence message, Rio said he had known Zakiesatuo personally for several years and considered him a friend. “He was a soft-spoken person who valued friendships and had a friendly relationship with all his acquaintances. As a political leader, he was an approachable person who had a sincere commitment to serve the people, especially the weaker sections of society. “He was a prominent and recognised personality of Dimapur and has positively contributed towards the betterment of the city in several ways. We will always remember him with fond memories and his contributions will continue to impact the society in the years to come,” the message read. The chief minister assured that the state government would leave no stone unturned to deliver justice. “My family joins me in conveying our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and to all his well-wishers. We pray to Almighty God to let his soul rest in peace and give strength and solace to his loved ones.”