Gangtok: A 76-year-old retired government employee allegedly stabbed a 36-year-old man to death near Krishi Bhawan in Gangtok late on July 22, claiming it was an act of self-defence.
According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mingyur Tempo Nadik, the accused, Pema Gyalpo Ladingpa, appeared at the Tadong Police Outpost around 12:30 am and informed officers that he had killed a man near his residence. A police team rushed to the location and found the victim’s body in a chicken coop adjacent to Ladingpa’s house.
The deceased was later identified as Kalyan Rai, son of Kalu Rai, a resident of Katwal Bazar, Lebong, Darjeeling. He was reportedly employed with Jio Fibers in Gangtok.
Sadar Police Station has registered a case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deals with murder.
Police said Ladingpa, a retired forest department employee, told investigators he was asleep when someone began banging on his front door. Upon opening it, he claimed to find a stranger armed with a knife. A scuffle reportedly ensued, during which Ladingpa says he snatched the weapon and stabbed the intruder multiple times.
“He claimed it was an act of self-defence, but there are around 10 to 11 stab wounds on the victim’s chest, hands, and neck,” SDPO Nadik told reporters. “It is too early to confirm whether it was truly self-defence or something else. The investigation is exploring all angles.”
After the stabbing, Ladingpa allegedly dragged the body to his chicken coop before walking to the police station to surrender.
The accused is currently in custody, and police will seek his remand for further interrogation. Despite his age, he is reportedly in good physical health.
So far, police have found no evidence of previous criminal or erratic behaviour by the accused. His mental condition is under assessment, though no abnormalities have been observed.
The victim’s family arrived in Gangtok and was present for the autopsy on Monday. Police said there appears to be no known relationship between the accused and the victim. It is still unclear whether Rai entered the premises intentionally or by mistake.
“This is only the second day of investigation. A clearer picture will emerge within a week,” SDPO Nadik said.
Also Read: How this Naga village transformed into a wildlife haven over 25 years