Our Correspondent
Dimapur, July 22 (EMN): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Nagaland Police probing the March 22 incident at Lamhainamdi village on Thursday filed a chargesheet against 19 persons, out of which seven accused have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody while the lookout for the remaining 12 absconding accused persons is on.
The chargesheet was filed against the accused persons in connection with the firing and killing of three persons at Lamhainamdi village on March 22, 2021, according to an update by the Superintendent of Police (Crime).
Following the firing incident, the state government constituted a SIT headed by a senior police officer to investigate the case and a suo moto cognisance of Crime No. 02/2021 under sections 302/ 120B/ 188/ 34 IPC R/W 25 IB/27 (3) Arms Act was registered on March 23 against unknown persons by the State Crime Police Station.
“The investigation had revealed that the nineteen charge-sheeted accused persons were part of deep-rooted criminal conspiracy to plan, prepare and execute the killing of three persons at Lamhainamdi village,” stated the police update.
“The chargesheet has been filed under U/S 302/120B/436/34 IPC r/w 25 (1A)/25(1B) (a)/ 27(3) Arms Act and 7/8 NSR,” it added.
The seven arrested accused persons against whom chargesheet have been filed are Kisheto Zhimomi, Head GB of Vihuto village; Munwang Konyak and Yepeka Kiba of NSCN (IM); Lentilen Hangsing of NSCN (U); Vikheshe Achumi and Livingson Awomi of Thilixu; and Tongkhahao Sitlhou of Athibung.
During the investigation, the SIT had visited the makeshift camp in the jungle, which is two to three km away from Vihuto village, stated the police, adding that the makeshift camp was used for accommodation and preparation by the accused for the commission of the crime and various incriminating evidences were collected from the site.
“During the course of investigation, the SIT had seized various incriminating evidences such as photographs of accused with arms during their stay at makeshift jungle camp, videos, certain technical evidences, crucial material evidence such as ammunition and other incriminating materials from the scene of crime. Identities of few other unknown persons involved in this case are also being established,” read the update.
It added that further investigation of the case is on.
Meanwhile, the police updated that four suspected persons, who were earlier arrested in connection with the case and subsequently granted bail, have been “released from the case”.