The Gauhati High Court, in a modification order issued on December 12, 2024, transferred the murder case of the late Imkongjeba Kichu, a resident of Chungtia village, to the District and Sessions Court in Dimapur. Kichu’s tragic death, with his body, was discovered on February 22, 2023.
Nine individuals have been apprehended in connection with the case. The case is being heard under charges including sections 120B, 34, 365, and 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The court has directed that the trial be expedited and completed within 12 months from the date the case records are transferred to Dimapur.
“On receipt of the record, the Sessions Judge, Dimapur shall expedite the trial and complete the trial proceeding of the case as early as possible, (preferably within 12 twelve) months from the date of receipt of the record,” the court stated.
In its order, the High Court emphasized the urgency of the case, directing that all records and seized items, including a Gypsy vehicle, be transferred from the Mokokchung court to Dimapur. Additionally, the accused individuals are to be moved from the District Jail, Kohima, to the Central Jail, Dimapur, for the duration of the trial. It has been confirmed that the accused are now in Central Jail, Dimapur.
This case was initially moved from Mokokchung to Kohima on October 16, 2024, to ensure a fair trial. However, the District and Sessions Judge, Kohima, recused themselves from the case as “one of the accused in the case is related to the Presiding Officer through marriage”.