Kohima Police ruled out foul play in the dead of the missing tourist from Tripura whose body was recovered on February 6 at Dzükou valley.
In a press note issued on February 7, Kohima police stated, “It is too premature to arrive at any definitive conclusion regarding the cause of death, however, based on the preliminary observations at the scene and available materials, there is no indication of foul play at present.”
The dead body of 22 years old Pranab Das has been shifted with the assistance of SAYO volunteers and brought to the police station by ambulance.
“The family members of the deceased were informed accordingly and they have requested that no post-mortem examination be conducted till their arrival to Kohima. The body is presently kept at the Police Station morgue awaiting arrival of the relatives for further legal formalities,” informed the Kohima police.
The case originated from a written complaint lodged on January 6 at South PS, Kohima regarding the disappearance of Pranab Das, who had arrived in Kohima on January 2 and was last seen staying at a home stay in Lerie Colony. Based on preliminary enquiry reports and subsequent directions, a formal case was registered for thorough investigation.
During investigation, it was established that the missing person checked into a home stay on January 2 and was last seen leaving the premises early morning on January 4. Further verifications confirmed that he had booked an entry ticket to Dzükou Valley on the same day from Viswema entry point.
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In the meantime, statements of the caretaker, taxi driver, family members, and other relevant witness were also recorded, informed Kohima Police. Technical analysis including CDR, CAF, bank account verification and examination of available CCTV footages from nearby establishment were also carried out. Kohima Police, in close coordination with the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO), District administration and NSDMA also conducted multiple search and rescue operations at the valley Drone-assisted searches were also undertaken covering difficult and inaccessible terrains. Despite sustained effort, the missing person could not be traced during earlier operations.
On February 6, at around 1620 hrs, information was received regarding the presence of a dead body on the river bank below Dzükou Valley Helipad. Subsequently, a coordinated team comprising of Kohima Police, District administration, SAYO and volunteers from neighboring villages proceeded to Dzükou valley and reached the location in the early hours of February 7 where the dead body was recovered
An inquest was also conducted at the spot in the presence of District administration and independent witnesses. During spot verification, personal belongings including a Dzükou Valley entry slip in the name of Pranab Das, two mobile handset with mouth pieces, a brown wallet containing cash and identification documents were recovered confirming the identity of the deceased.
In this regard, the Kohima Police expressed appreciation and sincere gratitude to the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) and the volunteers of neighboring villages whose tireless efforts, coordination and local knowledge were instrumental in locating and retrieving the body from the difficult terrain of Dzükou valley. It also acknowledged the support extended by the District Administration, NSDMA and all involved in the prolonged search and recovery operations. Kohima Police further extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during the moment of grief.
