Morung Express News
Kohima | September 11
Following the alleged murder of a 22-year old fish seller identified as Pradeep Mahato on September 9, 2017, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI) on Monday informed that business establishments in Kohima would down their shutters on September 12 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm as a mark of respect to the deceased. Condemning the killing, the KCCI in a press statement also made an appeal to the law enforcement agency to expedite investigation, bring out the truth, and deliver justice at the earliest.
Police yet to make any arrest (s)
Meanwhile, officials from the North Police Station stated that late Mahato died of internal injuries. An FIR has been lodged against the alleged murder and investigations have begun, informed the police, while post mortem reports are awaited.
SP Kohima when contacted informed The Morung Express that the police have identified the accused; however no arrest had been made till the filing of this report.
22 years old Pradeep Mahato, a resident of Kohima, succumbed to his injuries on September 9 after four people reportedly beat him up severely over a previous scuffle.
According to witnesses, on September 7 evening, Mahato who looked after a fish shop at Razhü Point interfered in an argument between a chicken seller and a customer over the price of chicken. Witnesses said that when Mahato interfered, the customer (a local) questioned him, which led to a fight between the two. The misunderstanding was reportedly pacified by the D Block Panchayat members.
In order to settle the matter amicably, the D Block Panchayat had called for a meeting by inviting both parties on September 9 at 10 am.
On September 9, however, Mahato failed to turn up at the meeting. “He did not turn up out of fear,” said a source close to Mahato while speaking to The Morung Express.
Witnesses further reported that around 10.30 am on September 9, four unidentified persons in a gypsy came to Mahato’s fish shop and caught him. He was told that they were taking him to the meeting, according to an eye witness, who added, “But they never went to the Panchayat. No one knew where they took him.”
According to the Elders Forum Hindu Community, Kohima, Mahato was found near T. M School, Kohima around 4 pm and was brought to the North Police Station, and then sent to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima. With his body brought to the NHAK at 5.30 pm, Mahato eventually breathed his last.
Mahato hailed from Motharampur village under Chapra district in Bihar. His father, who has also been a resident in Kohima, had passed away when he was young and since then Mahato had looked after his mother, the only surviving family member who lives in the village.
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