In a significant breakthrough, Dimapur Police arrested all seven individuals allegedly involved in the assault case that occurred in the intervening night of December 16 and 17.
Confirming this to the media on Sunday, Commissioner of Police (CP), Dimapur, K Sophie said of the seven accused, three were civilians while the other four belonged to NSCN-R (Akato) faction.
The arrested civilians were identified as I Khevito Yeptho (28 years), son of Toniho Yeptho from Nikhekhu village, Niuland, and currently residing at Thahekhu village BI-1; Itovi Yeptho (39 years), son of Visheto Yeptho from Sukhalu village, Zunheboto, and presently residing at Thahekhu village; and Atoka Sumi (37 years), son of late Hevukhu Sumi from Akuluto village, Zunheboto, and presently residing at Thahekhu village BI-1.
The four cadres have been identified as ‘SS 2nd lt’ Kakuho Achumi (26), son of late Honito from Yezami village, Zunheboto, and presently residing at Thahekhu village BI-1; ‘SS lt. col.’ Jonathan Ngade (45) son of late Kele Ngade from Purul village, Senapati, and presently residing at Thahekhu village BI-1; ‘SS lt.’ Lumtsaba Sangtam (30), son of Hotingse from Yangziton village, Kiphire, and presently residing at Thahekhu village; and ‘SS lt.’ Holuvi Yeptho (34), son of Asaac Yeptho from Lizu village, Zunheboto, and presently residing at Chümoukedima.
CP said that the police also seized two weapons—one AK 47 with magazine and one country made .32 pistol with magazine, that were allegedly used in the assault.
Sharing details of the incident, he said the incident stemmed from a minor collision between an Alto car in which two individuals were traveling and a scooty with two riders between 10:30 to 11 p.m. on December 16.
Following the collision, the scooty riders called their friends, who were later identified as members NSCN-R (Akato) faction, and demanded reparations for their vehicle, before reportedly detaining the car until payment was made.
He mentioned that the matter escalated when the two individuals in the Alto called their friends to take the Scooty as they could not ride the two-wheeler.
The cadres then apprehended the three of the four individuals and assaulted them, leaving two severely injured and under treatment presently. Sophie said when he visited the victims, one of them claimed that he was beaten with the butt of an assault rifle, adding that they were threatened not to report the matter to the police.
Clarifying to the allegations of police reluctance to file a case, he admitted receiving a call from a student body on December 17 alleging inaction. But, he explained that registering a case involved determining appropriate sections of the law that could be invoked, which sometimes caused delays.
“When we register a case, we have to ascertain appropriate sections of the law that could be applied. Sometime, we even take days so that all appropriate sections of the law could be applied,” he elaborated, adding that the delay in registering the case was not intentional.
He said that the police subsequently registered the case and acted swiftly, arresting three suspects on December 17 itself, one on December 18, and the remaining three on Saturday.
He disclosed that of the four cadres, two even tried to join other NPGs after committing the crime but were successfully prevented.
Sophie requested all NPGs not to provide shelter or membership to criminals attempting to join their ranks after committing crimes. “A crime is a crime. A criminal is a criminal. Criminals shouldn’t be given protection by any organisation or group,” he emphasised.
He also appreciated certain organisations, including Thahekhu Village Council (TVC), adding that it was because of their assistance that the police could apprehend the accused and seize the arms.
Condemning the growing trend of issuing ultimatums by various organizations to state government and its agencies, including the law enforcement agencies, he described them irrational and irresponsible when the police were doing their best to detect, prevent, and prosecute crimes.
He clarified that whether there was an ultimatum or not, the police would still do their job.
Referring to allegations of high-ranking officials’ involvement in the case, the CP maintained that the case originated from a civilian dispute that escalated and involved underground cadres.
As an investigating agency, he said the police relied on facts and evidence, and could not point fingers at house owners or any organisation without substantial proof.
He assured the public that the police were committed to ensuring justice, and appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders in maintaining law and order.
