In a major breakthrough, the Dimapur Police has dismantled a suspected organized criminal network involved in abduction, sexual assault, extortion, and robbery along highway stretches, with the arrest of two key absconding accused from Bengaluru.
According to official reports, the case originated from a complaint lodged at the Women Police Station, Dimapur, on July 25, 2024, regarding offences committed in the early hours of July 22, 2024. An FIR (Case No. 12/2024) was promptly registered, leading to a detailed and sustained investigation.
As per the complaint, the victims—a woman and her relative—were travelling along a four-lane highway near Old Showuba area in Dimapur when they were intercepted by a group of unidentified individuals. The victims were forcibly stopped, blindfolded, and taken to an undisclosed location where they were wrongfully confined.
During the ordeal, the female victim was subjected to sexual assault by multiple perpetrators, while both victims were physically assaulted and coerced into transferring money through digital payment platforms. The assailants also looted mobile phones, cash, and gold ornaments, and threatened the victims with the circulation of compromising images to prevent them from reporting the crime.
Following the registration of the case, police launched a structured investigation. Analysis of initial evidence led to the identification of multiple accused, believed to be part of a premeditated and organized network that had allegedly carried out similar crimes in the past by targeting vulnerable individuals along highways.
Subsequent coordinated operations led to the arrest of one accused earlier, from whose possession stolen property—including gold ornaments identified by the victim—was recovered. During another operation, a suspect attempting to evade arrest met with an accident and later succumbed to injuries. A separate case in this regard was registered at Niuland Police Station.
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After months of investigation, police tracked down two prime absconding accused to Bengaluru, Karnataka, based on specific technical intelligence inputs. A special team led by the Investigating Officer left Dimapur on March 28, 2026 and carried out a joint operation in coordination with the Bengaluru City Police.
The operation resulted in the arrest of Vikekhe Yeptbo (34) and Hesato Yeptho (28) from the Ramanna Layout area under Kothanuru Police Station. Police further revealed that both accused are also wanted in connection with similar cases registered at Chümoukedima Police Station, indicating a pattern of repeat offences across jurisdictions.
Terming the case as indicative of a serial and organized criminal pattern, police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information related to similar incidents. Authorities have assured strict confidentiality for all complainants, witnesses, and informants.
Dimapur Police reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the protection of citizens, particularly against such heinous crimes targeting vulnerable individuals.
