Nagaland: Man sentenced to life for murdering brother in Kohima

Guwahati: A 49-year-old man in Nagaland’s Kohima has been sentenced to life imprisonment for fatally shooting his younger brother last year.

The Principal District and Sessions Court, led by Judge Mezivalu T. Therich, found Lezo Seletsu guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the death of his 33-year-old sibling at Pfuchama Village on June 20, 2023, according to the Public Prosecutor’s office.

Authorities said Seletsu fired at his brother, causing fatal injuries, and then fled the scene. Police later arrested him, and the firearm used in the crime was recovered during the investigation.

The case was handled by UBS Chiwase Nyusou of Khuzama Police Station. During the trial, the court heard testimony from five prosecution witnesses and two defense witnesses. Special Public Prosecutor Sashimongla Jamir represented the state throughout the proceedings.

Evidence presented in court showed the victim was retreating when Seletsu fetched a gun from his house and shot him.

Based on this, the judge dismissed the accused’s claim of self-defense, stating the victim posed no immediate threat.

The judge said that shooting an unarmed person at close range showed a clear intent to kill, meeting the legal definition of murder.

Considering the seriousness of the crime, the loss of life, and the absence of mitigating circumstances, Seletsu was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional one year and six months of simple imprisonment.

The prosecution team, led by Additional Public Prosecutor Abraham, worked closely with the police, and he said their joint efforts played a vital role in ensuring justice for the victim.