In a major breakthrough, Kohima Police have arrested the main accused behind the high-profile burglary at the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) Office and linked him to 10 other unsolved burglaries across the capital since August 2023.
Addressing the media at the Superintendent of Police’s office, Additional SP and PRO Kohima Police, K. Soriso said that the suspect identified as 34-year-old Kekietuo Solo, s/o late Nouleo, resident of ‘T’ Khel, Kohima Village, is a serving driver in the Police Civil Engineering department.
Soriso disclosed that Kekietuo was arrested on Friday night after an extensive investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by himself. He said that the accused has confessed to all 11 burglaries, with stolen assets totalling over Rs 1.5 crore.
The most audacious of these was the theft of nearly Rs 95 lakh from the KMC office on June 3, 2025, which prompted a two-and-a-half-week intensive investigation combining forensic technology and human intelligence.
A critical lead was discovered when investigators found the accused had used a Creta vehicle during one of the incidents, triggering coordination with the Regional Transport Office and placing Kekietuo under close watch.
According to Soriso, the SIT tracked suspicious spending patterns shortly after the heist at KMC. He said the police revisited several old cases to find similar modus operandi.
While multiple suspects were also under scrutiny, PRO said the SIT investigated bank transactions, tracked high-value purchases at major showrooms, and suspicious land flagged through human intelligence before zeroing in on the suspect. PRO said that one such clue was the cash payment for a newly purchased vehicle that raised red flags. After concrete intelligence, police confirmed the suspect’s identity, and after sustained surveillance, Kekietuo was detained for questioning and later confessed.
Despite being employed under the police department for 15 years, PRO said Kekietuo was reportedly well-versed in police procedures and took meticulous care not to leave behind any evidence, making the investigation particularly challenging, Soriso revealed.
The police have so far recovered approximately Rs 38 lakh in cash, and seized 33 items from the residence of the accused.
Additionally, two vehicles and 20 other items allegedly used in the commission of the crimes have been confiscated.
Other items recovered/seized include– Torchlights (various sizes), binoculars, tablet, .22 rifle (made in Czechoslovakia), battery-powered driller and chainsaw, pocket knife, drill bit, crowbar, hammer, chisel, clamp wrench, screwdriver, multitool, gloves, lithium batteries, boots, sneakers, sweatpants, jackets, wristwatch, car and motorbike keys, face masks, sling bag, waist pouch, goggles and power bank.
Soriso said that efforts were now focused on recovering the remaining stolen property and investigating the accused’s involvement in other potential cases. Authorities are also working to determine if Kekietuo had any accomplices or undiscovered burglaries linked to his pattern of operations. Soriso commended the tireless efforts and professionalism of the investigating team, who worked round the clock to apprehend the accused. He said the breakthrough reflects the police force’s firm resolve to safeguard public institutions and uphold the rule of law.
He also expressed gratitude to the public of Kohima and various organisations who came forward to assist during the investigation.
In a statement, SP Kohima Teisovise Metha lauded the tireless efforts and professionalism of the investigation team, stating that the breakthrough was a testament to the skill and commitment of the police personnel.
He said the team effectively combined advanced forensic analysis with traditional investigative methods to apprehend the accused. The SP further reaffirmed that Kohima Police remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all citizens.
KVYO hails arrest of robbery accused, urges strict action
The Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) lauded the officer-in-charge of North Police Station, Kohima and all ranks and file for successfully cracking the recent robbery case and arresting the accused, Kekietuo Solo, who the organisation said had long been a menace to citizens of Kohima.
In a press release, KVYO president Er. Medozhazo Rutsa, the youth body appreciated the patience, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the police team in resolving the case
KVYO also expressed its gratitude to Superintendent of Police Kohima, and his staff for their tireless effort and commitment in bringing the culprit to justice.
While commending the police, KVYO strongly condemned the criminal act and called on the district administration and the police department to ensure the accused is booked under the fullest extent of the law and awarded exemplary punishment to deter such offences in the future.
KVYO further reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate and support in maintaining peace and security in Kohima village and the greater Kohima area.