Man sentenced to life imprisonment for matricide in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — In a recent court ruling, Kelelo Mero, a 30-year-old resident of Riku colony in Pfutsero, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his mother.

The District and Sessions Judge, Phek, Neiko Akami, delivered the verdict on April 30, finding the accused guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), stated an update received here on Tuesday.

It said that the tragic incident occurred on Aug. 8, 2022, when Mero, under the influence of alcohol, inflicted multiple fatal injuries upon his mother with a dao (machete) at their residence.

During the trial, the accused pleaded insanity, claiming he was unaware of the rightness or wrongness of his actions at the time of the crime. However, the court rejected this plea, citing several factors.

While Mero was examined by a doctor on the day of the incident, no blood alcohol content test was conducted. Additionally, the accused was observed seeking a torch light from a neighbour shortly before the crime and subsequently locking himself in his room, refusing to respond to calls. The court interpreted these actions as indicative of guilt and fear of facing consequences, the update stated.

Based on the evidence and findings, the court convicted Mero of murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Furthermore, the court recommended a compensation of INR 2 lakh to be awarded to the deceased’s youngest son under the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme 2012, it said.