Kohima Police crack major burglary case worth INR 1.5 crore; prime accused confesses to 11 heists

KOHIMA — In a significant breakthrough, Kohima Police have apprehended a man linked to a string of high-profile burglary cases in the state capital since August 2023, amounting to an estimated INR 1.5 crore.

The accused—34-year-old Kekietuo Solo, a resident of 'T' Khel, Kohima village—worked as a driver at the office of the Chief Engineer, Police Engineering Project (PEP), and has reportedly confessed to 11 major burglaries, including the recent high-profile heist at the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) office.

The breakthrough was announced during a press conference held at the SP’s office conference hall in Kohima on Saturday.

Also read: KMC office burglary: Police investigation ongoing, no major breakthroughs yet

Addressing the media, Additional Superintendent of Police and Public Relations Officer (PRO), K Soriso Quinker, alongside Sheta Lohe, SDPO North Kohima, detailed the scope of the operation and the meticulous investigation that led to the arrest.

KMC heist

The investigation gained momentum after the brazen burglary at the KMC office on June 3, where nearly INR 1 crore was stolen.

Following the heist, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed and began exhaustive efforts involving both forensic analysis and human intelligence.

Suspicious financial activity and spending patterns observed after the KMC heist led investigators to the accused, said Quinker.

Consequently, Kekietuo was arrested on June 20 at around 4 pm.

During interrogation, he confessed to a total of eleven burglaries committed across Kohima under the jurisdictions of North and South Police Stations, police said.

Timeline of major incidents:

Aug 14, 2023 – Baptist College, Kohima – INR 45,00,000

Jan 27, 2024 – D Khel Kohima Village – INR 22,50,000 (approx.)

Apr 11, 2024 – Oriental College, Kohima – INR 35,000

July 2, 2024 – Kohima College – INR 3,00,000

Nov 13, 2024 – Nexa Showroom, Meriema – INR 38,000

Nov 29, 2024 – Vuto Motors, Kikha Colony – INR 4,59,700

Feb 3, 2025 – North Treasury, Kohima – INR 1,80,000

Mar 24, 2025 – Entrepreneurs Development Agency – INR 10,83,941

May 8, 2025 – BOC, Mato Complex – INR 69,000

June 1, 2025 – Okusa Toyota – INR 2,13,150

June 3, 2025 – KMC office – INR 95,00,000

Modus operandi

The police have so far recovered INR 38 lakh in cash and seized around 33 items from the accused's residence at T Khel, Kohima.

Another 20 items, believed to have been used during the crimes, were recovered from his vehicle. Notably, the accused had purchased two high-end vehicles—Hyundai Creta and Maruti Jimny—using the proceeds from the burglaries. Both vehicles have been seized.

Explaining the method of operation, the police said that the accused, with knowledge of police procedures, avoided detection by not using mobile phones, wearing gloves and masks, and leaving no digital trail.

His use of the Creta during one of the incidents was captured on CCTV, which became a vital lead in the investigation.

Quinker added that the SIT coordinated with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to track all registered Creta vehicles in the past two years, cross-referencing with data from rental agencies.

Parallel teams tracked large cash transactions at showrooms and monitored property deals, which ultimately led them to the suspect.

Investigation ongoing, more arrests possible

While the accused remains in custody and formal charges are being prepared, Kohima Police have stated that the investigation is far from over.

They are currently exploring the possibility of accomplices or informants within the institutions targeted.

According to Quinker, the accused’s actions show a high level of planning, giving rise to suspicions that there may be more people involved. Further investigation will determine that, he said.

He highlighted the hard work and dedication of the SIT team, stating that their professionalism and commitment to justice were instrumental in cracking this challenging case.

Reckless driving clip under investigation

The police are also probing a viral video involving a reckless drunk driving incident in Kohima, where the rider—allegedly in khaki clothes—was seen driving a scooty dangerously.

Officials clarified that not all khaki-wearing individuals belong to the police and that the person in question was not wearing a police cap, raising the possibility of impersonation.

Efforts to identify the scooty are underway, police said.

Meanwhile, Quinker thanked the citizens and institutions who supported the investigation.

According to him, this success sends a clear message that crime will not go unpunished in Kohima.