A Court in Kohima has convicted a man for the murder of his biological brother and sentenced him to life imprisonment in connection with a 2023 shooting incident at Pfuchama village.

According to an official statement issued by Additional Public Prosecutor Abraham, the Court of Smti. Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kohima, vide order dated March 6, 2026, convicted Lezo Seletsu (49) under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of his younger brother, aged 33.

The incident occurred on August 20, 2023, at Pfuchama village under Kohima district. As per the prosecution, the accused fired at the deceased with a firearm, causing fatal injuries that led to his death.

Following the incident, the accused absconded and went into hiding but was later apprehended by the police. During the course of the investigation, the firearm used in the crime was recovered at the instance of the accused.

The investigation was conducted by UBSI Chiwasie Nyusou of Khuzama Police Station. During the trial, the prosecution examined five witnesses, while the defence produced two witnesses. The State was represented by Special Public Prosecutor, Sashimongla Jamir.

While delivering the judgment, the Court observed that even if an altercation had occurred between the brothers, the evidence clearly established that the deceased had disengaged from the confrontation and was walking away when the accused went inside his house, brought out a firearm and fired at him from behind.

The Court held that once the deceased had retreated, there was no imminent threat to the accused and therefore the plea of private defence could not be sustained.

It further observed that firing a lethal firearm at close range at an unarmed person who was retreating demonstrated a clear intention to cause death or such bodily injury as would ordinarily lead to death, thereby attracting the provisions of murder under Section 300 of the IPC.

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After a full trial and evaluation of the evidence presented by the prosecution witnesses, the Court concluded that the prosecution had successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and accordingly convicted the accused under Section 302 IPC.

On the question of sentencing, the Court, considering the gravity of the offence and the loss of human life, and in the absence of substantial mitigating circumstances, sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment for life. In addition, the court imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000. In default of payment of the fine, the accused will have to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of one year and six months.

Additional Public Prosecutor Abraham also placed on record appreciation for the investigation carried out by the police and acknowledged the efforts of the prosecution in securing justice for the victim.

He stated that coordinated efforts between the investigating agency and the prosecution strengthen the criminal justice system and reaffirm the commitment of the state to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.