Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 24
One person was found murdered in the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Purana Bazaar, Dimapur, on August 24. The deceased victim was a state government employee, Hozheto Yepthomi (58 years), the chowkidar of the ISBT complex. His dead body was discovered around 6:30-7:00 am in the complex.
As per the police, his body bore puncture wounds suspected to have been caused by a sharp weapon. A Dimapur police official informed that the police were investigating all possible angles to determine motive, while stating no sign of missing items have been detected yet as to confirm burglary.
The official said that samples were collected from the crime scene for forensic analysis. Post mortem was conducted but the cause of death was still to be confirmed.
The victim’s daily routine involved securing the gates to the complex and opening them early in the morning. As per the police official, the victim usually unlocked the main gate to the ISBT by around 4:00 am, but not on Thursday morning. He was believed to have left his quarters, located adjacent to the ISBT, by 4:00 am.
A press release from the PRO, Dimapur Police informed that the victim was found “with multiple injury wounds on his chest and neck.” “Police and Forensic expert team conducted investigation at the crime scene,” it added.
It informed that a complaint was received from the victim’s wife stating that her husband went to open the ISBT complex gate as usual, on August 24, at around 4:00 am, but did not return. Sometime later, his dead body was found by his daughter behind the ISBT building bearing multiple cut wounds.
“During investigation Police found CCTV footage wherein the deceased was seen running after the murder suspect inside the ISBT complex in the wee hours of August 24. Police suspect that Hozheto was killed with a sharp object while he was trying to nab the intruder,” the release said.
It informed that the police are analyzing the CCTV footage and evidences collected from the crime scene. Post mortem was conducted and the dead body was handed over to the relatives.
Meanwhile, Advisor Land Resources, G Ikuto Zhimomi condemned the murder and stated that “gruesome act of crime is not acceptable in a civilised society, no matter the intent and circumstances.”
He further urged the law enforcing agencies to leave no stones unturned to book the culprit at the earliest and ensure justice to the bereaved family. “Late Yeptho of Aquba village was a sincere and dedicated employee of Nagaland State Transport and I extend my heartfelt condolence to the family members in this time of loss and grief,” Zhimomi added.
The Purana Bazar Tribal Council condemned the murder and said that the incident has shocked, created fear among the people, and destroyed the peaceful atmosphere of Purana Bazar. A press release from the council appealed to the investigating agency to book the culprit at the earliest. It further requested the State Government and the department concerned to provide adequate compensation to the widow and children of the victim in accordance with the laid down rules.
The Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum said it is “deeply bothered by such crimes happening in Dimapur and feels that safety and security of the citizens should never be compromised and the security system in the city needs to be rechecked, updated and upgraded.” A press release from the forum appealed to the concerned authority to book the culprit as early as possible.
The Western Aghunato Area People's Union appealed all citizens to condemn the inhuman act and urged the police and civil administration to immediately book the assailants so that the family members, villagers and all concerned may be able to find solace and come to terms in this tragic loss.
