now caught
Kohima Police have cracked a string of 11 burglaries committed across two years, culminating in the high-profile theft of nearly Rs 95 lakh from the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) office earlier this month. The total estimated value of stolen property stands at nearly Rs 1.86 crore.
At a press briefing held at the SP Office in Kohima on Saturday, Additional SP and PRO Kohima Police, Soriso, informed that the accused was identified as Kekietuo Solo, 35, a resident of T Khel, Kohima village. Solo is a driver employed in the Police Civil Engineering department, and has been in service for approximately 15 years.
The accused, who was apprehended at around 4 PM on June 20, later confessed to committing 11 burglaries.
“The confession brings closure to this case [KMC heist],” said Soriso.
According to police, the accused was well-versed in police procedures and was careful not to leave any trail, making the investigation extremely challenging.
An intensified probe began following the June 3, 2025 KMC Office break-in, where nearly Rs 95 lakh was stolen. A special investigation team (SIT) relied on forensic tools and human intelligence to track the suspect.
“Investigators began tracking the accused after identifying suspicious spending patterns shortly after the KMC theft,” Soriso informed.
A breakthrough came when the accused was linked to a Creta vehicle used during one of the burglaries. This led to coordination with the Regional Transport Office (RTO), eventually narrowing down the suspect list. The investigation involved examining bank transactions, major purchases, and flagged land deals.
The crimes occurred under both the North and South Police Stations of Kohima and targeted educational institutions, automobile dealerships, and government offices.
Institutions targeted:
Baptist College – Rs 45 lakh (2023)
D. Khel, Kohima Village – Rs 22.5 lakh (2024)
Kohima College – Rs 3 lakh (2024)
Entrepreneurs Development Agency – Rs 10.8 lakh (2025)
Oriental College – Rs 35,000 (2024)
Nexa Showroom, Meriema Junction – Rs 38,000 (2024)
Vuto Motors, Kikha Colony – Rs 4.5 lakh (2024)
North Treasury, Kohima – Rs 1.8 lakh (Feb 2025)
BOC Mato Complex – Rs 69,000 (May 2025)
Okusa Toyota – Rs 2.1 lakh (June 2025)
KMC Office – nearly Rs 95 lakh (June 3, 2025)
So far, police have recovered around Rs 38 lakh in cash, along with a .22 calibre rifle, burglary tools such as crowbars, drills, gloves, boots, goggles, and over 50 other items from the accused’s residence. Two vehicles and official documents including his Aadhaar card, government ID, and ATM card were also seized.
“Searches are currently underway based on leads provided during the accused’s confession. Authorities are also investigating whether the accused was involved in additional, previously unreported burglary cases,” Soriso said.
At the press conference, Soriso praised the SIT’s tireless work and acknowledged the support of local citizens.
“This shows that crime will not go unpunished in Kohima,” he said.
Solo remains in police custody as further investigations continue.
KVYO reacts
In a press release issued Saturday, the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) extended its “heartfelt congratulations to the Officer-in-Charge, North Police Station, Kohima, and all ranks and files under his command for successfully cracking the recent robbery case in Kohima and apprehending the individual (Kekietuo Solo) who have long been a menace to the citizens of Kohima.”
KVYO also conveyed appreciation to the Superintendent of Police, Kohima, and his staff for their “patience, resilience, and professional expertise.” While commending the efforts of the police, the organisation “strongly condemned the criminal acts of the person involved” and urged authorities to ensure “the perpetrator is booked under the fullest extent of the law and that exemplary punishment is awarded to deter such crimes in the future.”
The statement, signed by KVYO President Er Medozhazo Rutsa, added that the organisation would continue extending cooperation “towards maintaining peace and security within Kohima Village and the greater Kohima area.”