The Porütso Khel has issued a clarification regarding the use of the title “Zao” by an accused individual involved in the murder of 22-year-old Vihozhono Zao, asserting that while it is not denied that the accused had been associated under the umbrella of the late Holto Zao’s family, there exists no official documentation—such as Scheduled Tribe (ST) or Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates—to substantiate his claim of belonging to the family or the Khel.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Porütso Khel said that “there are no documents to support the accused’s claim, except his Aadhar Card, which can be obtained without the family consent.”

The Khel further stated that it was completely unaware of any adoption of the accused, whether by traditional means or through any court procedure. “Not only this, there has not been a single contribution of the accused towards the Khel,” the statement said, firmly refuting his claim as a bona fide member of the Porütso Khel or the village.

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Reiterating its stance, the Khel directed that the usage of the name “Samuel Zao” be discontinued in all forms of documentation.