In a shocking incident, an unidentified body of a man was recovered on Wednesday  along the under-construction two-lane road from Lerie colony, Kohima, to Pfuchama village below Helipad.

According to SDPO Kohima South, Vekato, police received information around 7:30 a.m. and rushed to the spot. He informed that a mobile phone, a country-made .22 pistol, and a magazine were recovered from the deceased.

The SDPO said preliminary assessment indicated death due to a gunshot injury. However, the exact time of death and motive behind the killing could not be ascertained, and further details would be established only after post-mortem examination and investigation.

Based on verification a person who called the deceased’s phone, the victim supposedly belong to the Lotha community, the officer informed. However, further calls could not be established.

An eyewitness, Diethovi Chase, who discovered the body while on a routine inspection for the road construction work, informed that he came across the body around 6:30 a.m.

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Chase, who is employed under Pele Khezhie Constructions, said he immediately alerted his employer’s wife after noticing a weapon at the scene, following which police were informed. He added that Pele Khezhie also donated a traditional Angami shawl to drape over the body.

Forensic Science Laboratory, Dimapur officials reached the scene around 2 p.m. to assist in the investigation.

More details awaited till the time of filing this report.