Nagaland: Prime accused in Wokha power transmission tower collapse held

DIMAPUR: The main accused in the theft of nuts and bolts that resulted in the collapse of 132 KV single circuit tower of 132 KV Wokha–Sanis transmission line between Yikhum and Riphyim village in Nagaland on April 27 has been arrested.

This was informed by additional superintendent of police (SP) of Wokha district in Nagaland, K Soriso, on Thursday (May 02).

Soriso said following a written complaint from the executive engineer (transmission), Kohima division, Namheu Khate Zeliang, about the collapse of the tower, a team was immediately constituted under Wokha SDPO Sangthing Khiam to investigate the case.

As per the initial investigation, the nuts and bolts of the tower members were missing, which are suspected to be removed and stolen by unknown miscreants, resulting in the structural collapse of the tower.

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The team jotted down all the suspects and scrap dealers in the surrounding areas, and they were diligently scrutinised.

With technical support and assistance from the Wokha cybercrime cell, the team narrowed down on two suspects and launched a swift operation, leading to the arrest of the main accused, Likho Kithan (32) of Yikhum village, presently residing at Tsumang “A” Colony in Wokha on April 30.

The accused has been booked him U/S 379/336 IPC R/W U/S 3 Damage to Public Act R/W U/S 136 Electrical Act.

The police in Wokha district of Nagaland said every effort is being made to arrest all those connected with the case to prevent such incidents in the future.