Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma sheds light on recent high-profile cases

DIMAPUR — Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma on Friday shed light on recent high-profile cases in Nagaland, providing updates on investigations and ongoing efforts to serve justice to victims.

Responding to queries posed by journalists on the sidelines of an event at the Police Complex in Chümoukedima, the police chief said that a suo moto case has been registered in connection with the death threat issued by the NSCN/GPRN (Khango) group against the proprietor of KKB Rulho, based on the statements made by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO).

He added that a thorough investigation is underway to identify those responsible for issuing the threat.

On the death of Ngukavi Yeptho, who was reportedly run over by vehicle used by the police during a chase on July 25, Sharma acknowledged the gravity of the situation.

He said the death of Yeptho was an unfortunate accident. Meanwhile, he said the case related to molestation, which the police had earlier named Yeptho as a prime suspect, is being treated with utmost seriousness.

Dimapur police has arrested 10 persons in connection with this case, he said, adding that investigation has uncovered a larger criminal network operating in Dimapur with the gang found involved in at least five more similar cases.

The gang, he said, targeted individuals by forcing them to disrobe, before taking photographs and use it for blackmailing. Victims were coerced into paying substantial sums of money or surrendering valuables, including gold chains, among others.

The DGP revealed that authorities have successfully traced some of the money trails through digital payment platforms, and several accused persons had confessed to their involvement. Additionally, valuables seized from victims, including gold chains, have been recovered from relatives of the accused.

While expressing regret over the loss of life (Yeptho’s death), he maintained that the investigation thus far supports the fact that the arrested individuals were involved in serious criminal activities in Dimapur.

Further, the DGP said that a significant progress has been made in the murder case of New market GB, Abdul Kayum Talukdar, who was shot dead by unidentified armed miscreants on June 7.

‘We have a clear understanding of who the perpetrators are and who ordered the killing,’ he said while declining to divulge further details citing operational reasons.

Also read: Dimapur Police issues statement on Niuland death case