Police officer accused of misconduct, CP reports to DGP

DIMAPUR — A Nagaland police officer is facing allegations of misconduct and disrespect towards fellow officers and magistrates during a tense land dispute inspection on October 21.

Dimapur Commissioner of Police (CP) and District Magistrate, Kevithuto Sophie, have filed a report with the Director General of Police (DGP), detailing the incident and calling for disciplinary action.

A report submitted on Wednesday stated that the incident occurred when a large group of around 250-300 people, gathered under the directive of the Western Sümi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) to inspect disputed land between Kiyevi village and Namhai-Lamhai village.

The group, consisting of GBs of Aqahuto area and their supporters, was prevented from entering the disputed area by authorities citing prohibitory orders.

“It was further reported that while hot arguments were on, a Tata mobile truck B/R. No. NL-07A9585 loaded with around 10 (ten) local youth from Kiyevi village, led by Shri. Shikato Swu, NPS, SDPO, Noklak came and tried to forcibly enter the disputed area but were prevented by the Police and district administrative officials manning the entry point”, stated the report.

The CP’s report stated that Swu, reportedly on leave and hailing from Kiyevi village, “started a heated argument with the duty officials (both Administration & Police) and questioned their credibility and knowledge of enforcing the ‘Prohibitory Order’ u/s 163 of the BNSS, 2023 (erstwhile section 144 CrPC, 1973).”

It further alleged that Swu “reportedly used abusive and condescending language in public at the Magistrates and Police officers of Chümoukedima and Peren districts deployed for duty.”

While the officers and personnel on duty “maintained utmost restraint and professionalism to avoid any further escalation of the situation and ultimately brought the situation under control,” the CP expressed serious concern about Swu’s alleged behaviour, stating that it was “unbecoming and not expected of a government servant, least a government officer.”

Further, the CP urged the DGP to “take appropriate necessary action (caution/admonish/warn)” against the erring officer to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.