Alleged suicide in Zunheboto lock-up sparks official probe

Inquiry report will be made public, assures SP

Zunheboto, May 19 (MExN): An accused in a robbery and attempted murder case allegedly died by suicide while in police custody at Zunheboto Police Station on May 16, prompting an investigation as well as a departmental inquiry into possible procedural lapses, the district police informed today.

Addressing media persons, Superintendent of Police (SP) Zunheboto, K Kapfo, stated that the incident occurred between 2:10 and 2:32 PM on May 16. 

The deceased was found unresponsive in the lock-up bathroom, and preliminary findings indicate a case of suspected suicide, the SP informed.

According to SP Kapfo, the accused, identified as Tohekhu (52), was arrested along with another individual, Ato Vikiye (35), in connection with a case registered by the Yezami Village Council.

The FIR pertained to a robbery and assault that took place on April 26 at the residence of an 85-year-old man, identified as Lozheto Awomi. The elderly victim reportedly sustained critical injuries during the incident and remains under intensive medical care.

The first accused Vikiye was apprehended on May 10, and the second accused Tohekhu was arrested the following day. 
Both were remanded to police custody, and routine medical check-ups were conducted on May 11, 13, and 15, with no signs of psychological distress observed, police said.

SP Kapfo stated that CCTV footage showed the deceased heading to the toilet area at around 2:10 PM. 

A case of unnatural death was registered on May 16, and an investigation has been assigned to a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). In addition, an internal departmental inquiry, also headed by an SDPO, is being carried out to examine possible lapses in custodial supervision.

“As the head of district police, I admit that a precious life has been lost. We are deeply disturbed by the incident and committed to transparency. The inquiry report will be made public, and all necessary corrective measures will be implemented,” SP Kapfo assured.

To build up public confidence we will ensure better monitoring and structural modification may be made up to the lock-up facility, especially around the toilet area, to enhance monitoring and ensure custodial safety in consultation with the appropriate authority, he added. 

During interrogation, one of the accused reportedly confessed to involvement in the crime, citing long-term drug addiction as the motive. The deceased, however, denied all charges. Due to conflicting statements, the police had sought two consecutive 72-hour remand periods to continue questioning both accused.

Police also confirmed that the body of the deceased was initially taken to Zunheboto District Hospital for post-mortem on May 16. However, due to the absence of forensic experts, the examination could not be conducted. The body was later transferred to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on May 17 for the procedure.

Meanwhile, police sources confirmed that the robbery victim was first admitted to the ICU at Oking Hospital, Kohima, and later shifted to the NHAK. He remains in critical condition.