Police investigating the murder of a 22-year-old woman, whose body was discovered early Saturday morning at Old Ministers’ Hill Colony here, said they were leaving no stone unturned to apprehend those involved.
It may be recalled that the woman, a resident of Old Ministers’ Hill Colony and originally from Jakhama village under Kohima district, was found dead under mysterious circumstances near a ring well.
According to reliable sources, the victim had reportedly left her residence Friday evening to play basketball and had informed a friend over the phone about her plan. However, she did not reach the meeting point, and her mobile phone was later found switched off.
Family members, concerned over her disappearance, had contacted her friends Friday night but were unable to trace her whereabouts. On Saturday morning, tenants of a nearby building spotted a body near a ring well located below the deceased’s residence and raised an alarm. On closer inspection, the body—partially covered with firewood and a sack—was found to have visible injuries.
Kohima police and a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) arrived at the scene and conducted a preliminary examination. The body was later retrieved, sent for post-mortem examination, and handed over to the family.
Police officials refrained from sharing details of preliminary findings, stating that doing so could compromise the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, sources close to the victim’s family described her as an active basketball player and expressed deep shock over the incident.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain those involved and the circumstances leading to her death.
Condemnations
Meanwhile, Jakhama Village Council (JVC), Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), and Jakhama Youth Organisation (JYO) have strongly condemned the cold-blooded murder of a 22-year-old woman, whose body was found near her residence in Kohima on October 25.
JVC: In a condemnation note, JVC chairman Zhopo Richa and secretary Keneiprazü Tase expressed deep anguish over the “senseless act of violence” that claimed the life of the young woman, describing it as a tragedy that has left the family and community in “utter shock and disbelief.” The council said that the deceased was a brilliant college student and a passionate basketball enthusiast, whose life held great promise for her family and society. “Her life was a promise of a beautiful future… cut short by a heinous crime that has shaken our faith in safety for women and justice,” it stated.
JVC condemned the barbaric act in the strongest terms and decried the silence and inaction that often follow such crimes. It asserted that while the loss of their daughter was irreparable, the absence of justice would be an even greater torment.
The council appealed to the concerned authorities to: expedite the investigation with urgency and diligence to identify and apprehend the perpetrator(s), ensure transparency in the investigation and prosecute the culprit(s) with the severest punishment and take concrete steps to improve safety and security, especially for women and children, to prevent recurrence of such crimes.
JVC also urged the general public to assist investigating agencies with any relevant information and refrain from spreading misinformation that could derail the pursuit of justice.
Affirming its commitment to seek justice, the council stated it would not rest until those responsible are held accountable. “Stand with us in our demand for justice,” it appealed.
SAYO: Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), in a condemnation note issued by its president Zasitsolie Beio and general secretary Keneisel Tetso, stated that the victim’s body was discovered near her residence, concealed behind a ring-well and covered with a sack, clothes, and firewood.
Denouncing the inhuman and lawless act of the perpetrators, SAYO urged the concerned authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The organisation expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of violence against women in the state and called for urgent measures to safeguard women’s safety and dignity.
SAYO appealed to the state government and law enforcement agencies to adopt swift and effective mechanisms to prevent such crimes in future. It also called upon civil society organisations, the public, and right-thinking citizens to unite against such acts of injustice and social disorder, and to work collectively towards peaceful coexistence.
Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, SAYO assured its full support during this time of grief and loss.
JYO: Jakhama Youth Organisation (JYO), in a separate condemnation note, described the act as one that “pierced the soul of the community and cries out for justice.”
JYO demanded that the authorities treat the case with utmost urgency and ensure that justice is delivered without delay. “Let it be known that the blood of the innocent shall not be silenced, and justice must thunder forth like a storm against evil,” JYO stated.