DIMAPUR, MARCH 3 (MExN): Two weeks after the February 18 rape and murder of a thirteen-year old shook Dimapur, there has been no significant progress in the investigation. On one hand, no vital clue that will lead to a breakthrough has come in the way of investigators, while on the other; even the post-mortem report is awaited. Two weeks since, investigators are literally looking at a dead end, like it was on day one.
The post-mortem sample which was supposed to have been dispatched for forensic tests is also still in Dimapur. The explanation behind the hold-up was that any blood/semen sample to be routed for laboratory tests has to have the back-up of samples (usually of the suspects) for comparative study. In this case, investigators have not been able to pin their sights on any suspect owing to a total lack of clues.
Further, it was learned that the post-mortem report was sent to Kohima to get the signature of the Medical authorities. One investigator said this was merely to complete government protocol, nothing else, which however, has only further delayed the investigation. Furthermore, until and unless the laboratory reaches here, even the doctor who conducted the post-mortem cannot give any conclusive report, said another.
In such a circumstance, the best that investigators could do in the two-week period since the crime occurred is taking/recording the statements of the victim’s aunty at periodic intervals, which has not been of much help.
