Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, issued a press statement on 2nd May 2025 at his office chamber, addressing two high-profile cases currently under investigation — the arrest of a fake medical practitioner and the ongoing investigation into the Pimla murder case.
In the statement, Commissioner Sophie revealed that the Nagaland Medical Council had confirmed that an individual identified as Albert P. Lotha, son of Peter Lotha, resident of NST Colony (City Tower), H/No C-169, had been practicing medicine in Dimapur without being registered with the Nagaland Medical Council — a mandatory requirement under the Medical Council Act 2014, Chapter-III, Section 16 (6). Lotha, who went by the name Kikon, was practicing medicine without possessing valid certification or adequate medical training.
Following a complaint received from the Nagaland Medical Council, the police initiated an inquiry, which confirmed that Albert P Lotha lacked the necessary medical qualifications and was not a registered practitioner. Consequently, a case was registered, and Lotha was arrested. The Commissioner stated that further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the impersonation and assess any harm caused to unsuspecting patients.
Commissioner Sophie urged citizens to exercise caution while seeking medical treatment and to verify the credentials of medical professionals. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that doctors possess a valid State Medical Council registration number or ID.
Authorities have called on the public to report any suspicious individuals practicing medicine without proper documentation in order to foster a safe and credible healthcare environment. The Commissioner of Police also requested the local media to aid in disseminating this crucial information to the public.
On the Pimla murder case, Commissioner Sophie informed that five suspects are currently in police custody. He noted that the investigation is ongoing and that the authorities are awaiting final reports required to file the chargesheet.
Additionally, Sophie clarified that the possibility of sexual assault had been ruled out in the case. “Based on the forensic and investigative reports so far, this is confirmed to be a case of homicide and not rape,” he stated.