In a significant judgment, the Court of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kohima, presided over by Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, on Friday convicted a man for the murder of his stepfather and the grievous assault of his biological mother in a shocking case that occurred in Viphoma village under Kohima district in December 2022.
The Court found accused Rukhetoulie Chupuo, who was about 37 years old at the time of the incident, guilty under Sections 302 (murder) and 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
According to the prosecution, the case stemmed from a brutal incident that took place on December 19, 2022, at Model Village, Viphoma. The accused allegedly launched a violent attack on his stepfather, late Thepfulhoulie Peya, and his biological mother, Touviu Peya, inside their residence.
Armed with an iron rod, a stool bench and a hammer, Chupuo inflicted fatal injuries upon his stepfather and grievous injuries upon his mother, who was subsequently rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state. Following the attack, the accused fled the scene.
Investigations revealed that the incident was triggered by a seemingly trivial dispute after the accused demanded Rs.100 from his parents. When they reprimanded him, he allegedly reacted violently, resulting in the fatal attack.
During the course of trial, the prosecution examined 11 witnesses in support of the case. The prosecution on behalf of the State was conducted by Abraham, Additional Public Prosecutor Kohima, while the investigation was carried out by UBSI Lhouvizhu Kense.
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Upon appreciation of the evidence on record, the learned Court convicted and sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment for life along with a fine of Rs.5,000 under Section 302 IPC, and in default of payment of fine, to further undergo simple imprisonment for one year.
Under Section 325 IPC, the accused was additionally sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for three years and to pay a fine of Rs.2,000 and in default thereof, to undergo simple imprisonment for six months.
While pronouncing the sentence, the Court noted that it had taken into account the mitigating circumstances highlighted by the defence, including the health condition of the accused. However, the court observed that the extreme gravity and brutality of the crime committed within the sanctity of the parental home resulting in loss of life and grievous hurt could not be ignored.
The Court held that the aggravating circumstances substantially outweighed the mitigating factors. The Court thus concluded that gravity of offence justified the sentence imposed.
The Office of the Additional Public Prosecutor expressed appreciation to the investigating officers, witnesses and all stakeholders involved in the case for their coordinated efforts, which contributed to the successful prosecution and conviction.
The Office further reiterated its unwavering commitment towards upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the interests of victims, and ensuring effective and fair prosecution in the pursuit of justice.
