Kohima: In connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 22-year-old woman that sparked public outrage, the Kohima Police on Wednesday revealed that the victim’s Nepali-descent adopted uncle has confessed to the crime.
Addressing a press conference at the SP office, Kohima SP Krodi Rhetso recounted how on October 25, residents of Kohima woke to the shocking news of the brutal killing of Vihozhonu Zao, daughter of Keneithuto Zao from Jakhama village, Nagaland.
“An inquest was conducted in the presences of independent witness, and the post mortem examination of the deceased was subsequently carried out at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK),” the officer said.
He informed that officers from South Police Station were dispatched immediately after receiving the report. The area was secured and an initial investigation was launched. A forensic team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Dimapur arrived at around 2:05 pm to conduct standard forensic procedures, including photography, videography, and the collection of physical evidence. A detection dog was also deployed to search for additional clues.
Following a written complaint from the victim’s paternal uncle, Vekethozo Zao, a regular case was registered under Sections 101/103 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, at Kohima Women Police Station (Case No. 0017/2025). The case was handed over to UBSI Hili Kath Metsie-o for further investigation.
Given the complexity of the incident, which police described as a “blind case”, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted on October 26 led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) K. Soriso, along with eight other members.
The team faced considerable challenges as the identified crime scene was believed to be a secondary location, making it difficult to establish a clear sequence of events or motive.
After what he called a “painstaking and methodical investigation”, the SIT eventually identified a prime suspect, the victim’s uncle, Samuel Zao (31), son of Holto Zao, from Jakhama village and residing at Old Ministers’ Hill, Kohima.
During interrogation, Rhetso revealed that Zao confessed to killing his niece. He reportedly told investigators that around 2 pm on the day of the incident, he had asked her to prepare tea, but she was occupied with her mobile phone and responded dismissively. Enraged, he allegedly struck her on the head with a piece of firewood, causing her to collapse.
Police said the accused then used a sweater to cover the victim’s head and attempted to clean the bloodstains. He allegedly switched off her mobile phone, removed the SIM card, broke the handset, and disposed of it in a Kohima Municipal Council dumping truck the following morning. The sweater, used to mop the floor, was reportedly discarded in a nearby gutter. The accused is said to have kept the body in his room before disposing of it near a ring well in the basement.
The accused was arrested on Tuesday and police have ruled out sexual assault in the case.
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The Kohima Police expressed appreciation to the public for their cooperation during the investigation. Officials said public support and trust enabled the team to work professionally and without external pressure, ensuring a fair and thorough enquiry.
Police said the successful detection of the case reflected the dedication, teamwork and professionalism of the Kohima Police and the Nagaland Police.
Also Read | Candlelight vigil in Kohima demands justice for 22-year-old
Your are blaming Nepali coummenity, you can mention victim name only not coummenity name be Educated Admin 😉