Pimla murder: Accused’s family banished from Peren district under customary law

DIMAPUR — The family of the accused in the Pimla murder case has been permanently banished from Peren district under Naga customary practices, with the house of the accused also sealed following consultations with village leaders and landowners.

The case pertains to the murder of 31-year-old Kesuthlungle Newme of Mhaikam village under Chümoukedima district, whose body was found on April 7, 2025 near a pond, around 240 feet from Pimla-Maikham Road.

Police had arrested the victim’s husband, identified as Chubatemsu, on April 10, 2025. He reportedly confessed to killing her in a fit of rage while under the influence of alcohol.

The decision on banishment was conveyed by the Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON), whose president R John Zeliang said the action was taken after considering the nature of the crime and the confessional statement.

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“As per the confessional statement of the victim’s husband, we have implemented the customary practices after holding consultation with the landowners. The accused person and all of the family members have been banished from the district. The house has been sealed and they will not be able to come back to the district,” he said.

John Zeliang said that while banishment in cases of accidental offences may be reconsidered after a period of time, such consideration does not apply in cases of intentional killing or premeditated murder.

“This time the crime was not a mistake, it was intentional as per the confession made by the deceased’s husband,” he maintained.

An interim chargesheet was filed following the arrest, and a supplementary chargesheet was submitted on October 7, 2025. The case is currently under trial.