Man gets life term in 2020 minor girl murder case

Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Dimapur, on Monday sentenced Yilobemo Mozhui to life imprisonment in connection with the murder of a 17-year-old minor girl in October 2020.
The judgment was pronounced by Khesheli Chishi, Presiding Officer of the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Dimapur, on March 2, 2026.
The case pertained to the killing of a Class 10 student, whose body was found on October 22, 2020 within the premises of St. Clare Higher Secondary School, Kacharigaon (Phevima).
According to prosecution records, the accused, who was 19 years old at the time and a theological student, had befriended the victim through Facebook in September 2020. They reportedly met for the first time on October 20, 2020, and again the following evening at Kacharigaon village gate, from where they proceeded towards the school ground.
The accused stated that an altercation broke out after the accused became jealous when the victim was busy on her phone. During the confrontation, he allegedly placed her in a chokehold and dragged her towards the staircase area, causing her to lose consciousness. Believing that she might regain consciousness and call for help, the accused reportedly struck her on the head multiple times with a stone.
The accused further stated that he sexually assaulted the victim while she was unconscious before fleeing the scene. Following completion of the investigation, the accused was charged under Sec 302 (murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) and 206 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Sec 4 of POCSO Act.
During the course of trial, the court examined multiple prosecution and defence witnesses. Although there were no direct eyewitnesses, the court relied on circumstantial evidence, forensic reports and witness testimonies. It observed that the chain of circumstances established by the prosecution was complete and consistent with the guilt of the accused.
After scrutinising the evidence on record, the court held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused was accordingly convicted under the relevant provisions of law and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment.