One arrested in Wokha transmission tower collapse case

DIMAPUR —  Wokha police have arrested one individual suspected of involvement in the theft of nuts and bolts from the 132 kV transmission tower that collapsed earlier in the week.

The tower, located between Yikhum and Riphyim village, was part of the 132 KV Wokha-Sanis Transmission line.

According to an update received here on Wednesday, an investigation was launched immediately after authorities received a complaint from the Executive Engineer of Transmission Division Kohima regarding the collapsed tower on April 28.

A dedicated team under the leadership of SDPO Wokha, Sangthing Khiam, was formed and the case was endorsed to Wokha Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Ginlunlal Tungnung, for further investigation.

Initial findings revealed missing nuts and bolts from the tower structure, leading investigators to suspect sabotage, it said.

“Though it was a blind case, the team painstakingly jotted down all the suspects and scrap dealers in the surrounding areas and they were diligently scrutinised. With a technical support and assistance from the Cyber Crime Cell DEF Wokha, the team then narrowed down on 2 suspects and launch a swift and stealthy operation leading to a break through and apprehension of the main accused,” the update stated.

The accused, Likho Kithan, a 32-year-old resident of Tsumang ‘A’ Colony, was apprehended on April 30, and has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Electricity Act, the police informed.

Further, Wokha police have assured the public that they are committed to apprehending all individuals connected to the case and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Also read: Another power transmission tower collapses in Nagaland due to theft