A 53-year-old man died following a family dispute at Lakhuti village under Sanis Police Station on the evening of July 31. Police have arrested his 28-year-old son and registered a suo motu case. The investigation is ongoing.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Wokha, Biren Lotha, said Sanis Police Station received information about the incident at around 8:30 p.m. The Sanis Officer-in-Charge proceeded to the village, where police carried out the necessary legal formalities.
The deceased has been identified as Nongothung Yanthan (53), while the accused is his son, Yanpothung Yanthan (28), who remains in police custody.
According to the police, preliminary investigation indicates that the incident occurred at around 7 pm following a family dispute. During the altercation, the deceased allegedly chased a family member with a machete. The accused reportedly intervened in an attempt to disarm him, during which a scuffle ensued. Police said the deceased allegedly fell to the ground during the altercation.
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Police further stated that, as the deceased was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, family members initially believed he would regain consciousness. However, after about 10 to 15 minutes, they found him unresponsive and noticed a head injury, following which they informed the police.
Meanwhile, a village official said the deceased sustained a fatal head injury after allegedly falling and striking his head on a rock during the scuffle. The official also stated that the accused remained at the scene until police arrived and was subsequently taken into custody.
Following the completion of the necessary legal formalities, the body was handed over to the family.
Lotha said a suo motu case has been registered and the investigation is underway. Based on the preliminary investigation, police suspect the case may amount to culpable homicide.
However, he said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and the applicable legal provisions would be determined as the investigation progresses.
