July Rape & murder Case
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 26 (MExN): Chakroma Women Organisation (CWO) carried out a mass rally in Dimapur on Thursday, August 26 warning against any leniency on the part of the authorities involved in the trial of murder accused Beto Zhimomi. The silent procession which numbered in the thousand was well supported by other Naga tribal organizations, including the Naga Mothers Association and students bodies. Beto Zhimomi was involved in the alleged rape and murder of a 20-year old girl, Avinuo of Kirha village (3rd Mile), Dimapur on July 21 last. He was arrested by the police nearly a month later on August 18.
The procession started from the Dhobinullah junction and proceeded to the Deputy Commissioner’s office where a memorandum was submitted. The memorandum was appended by several representatives from various civil organisations, including non-Nagas. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sedevikho Khro accepted the letter on behalf of the DC, who is not in station.
The memorandum demanded first and foremost, life imprisonment for Beto Zhimomi and that no bail is granted in his favour, at the same time no lawyer should plead his case in a court of law.
It stated that the atrocious action of the accused warrants prosecution under “house trespass without the consent of the owner, rape and cold blooded murder, strangulation, physical violence, sexual abuse and robbery.” It further warned “any individual, politician or even national workers” against negotiating in favour of the accused.
Taking note of several crimes committed against young girls at Kirha village and its surrounding area, the organisations demanded permanent security from the security personnel stationed at the Dimapur Airport, 3rd Mile. It urged that the government should give due recognition to the efforts of the Superintendent of Police, the SDPO, Dimapur as well as other officers involved in the investigation and the subsequent arrest of the accused. It specially mentioned the investigation officer of the case, Yawao Konyak, who is a woman.
It continued that the crime has not only affected the family of the deceased but the whole of the Naga public. “… We reiterate for nothing less than life imprisonment for the accused Beto Zhimomi who has become a threat to society and the security, safety and lives of women, young girls and children. We firmly believe that you will take cognizance of our demands and ensure that justice is done as per the law.”
