Kohima court sentences man to life imprisonment for murdering his brother at Pfuchama village in 2023 after trial.
Share
DIMAPUR — A Kohima court has sentenced a 49-year-old man to rigorous imprisonment for life for murdering his younger brother at Pfuchama village in August 2023.
A press release on Saturday informed that the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kohima, Mezivolu T Therieh, on March 6 convicted Lezo Seletsu under Section 302 of the IPC for killing his 33-year-old biological brother.
According to the prosecution, the accused shot the victim with a firearm during an altercation on August 20, 2023, causing fatal injuries.
After the incident, the accused absconded but was later arrested, and the firearm used in the crime was recovered during the investigation.
Also read: Dimapur POCSO court sentences man to life for 2020 minor’s murder
Kohima court sentences man to 7 years rigorous imprisonment
The court observed that the deceased had disengaged from the altercation and was walking away when the accused went inside his house, brought out a firearm and fired at him from behind.
It held that once the victim was retreating, there was no imminent threat to the accused, thereby rejecting the plea of private defence.
Following a full trial in which five prosecution witnesses and two defence witnesses were examined, the court held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Considering the gravity of the offence and the loss of human life, and noting the absence of substantial mitigating circumstances, the court sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment for life and imposed a fine of INR 10,000.
In default of payment, he will undergo simple imprisonment for one year and six months.