Expressing anguish at the escape of under trial prisoner (UTP) and rape and murder accused Sabir Ahmed from Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK) on July 22, Khonoma Village Council (KVC), Khonoma Women Union (KWU) and Khonoma Youth Organisation (KYO) have set a 15-day deadline for the authority to arrest and bring him to justice.
In a joint letter addressed to Kohima deputy commissioner (DC), KVC chairman Nisamezo, KWU president L Mor and KYO president Mhiesilhukho Yalie recalled that the accused was arrested in connection with alleged rape and murder of a woman from Khonoma village and a case was registered in Kohima women’s police station (no. 007/2018 under section 302 IPC). The police had completed the investigation and submitted the charge sheet, they added. And even as the trial was to begin to give him a befitting punishment, the statement said it was shocking to learn that the accused had escaped from custody on July 22, jeopardising delivery of justice and prolonging the agony of the bereaved and community.
The organisations urged the authority concerned to take immediate action on the officials responsible for escape of the accused in a heinous crime from their custody due to their dereliction and callousness in duty. They hoped the authority would not add salt to the injury by sleeping over the matter.