Kohima Court Sentences Man to Life for Brother's Murder

A Kohima court sentenced Lezo Seletsu to life imprisonment for the murder of his brother. The 49-year-old was convicted under Section 302 of the IPC for shooting his 33-year-old sibling on August 20, 2023. The court ruled that the crime's gravity warranted the life sentence.

A Kohima court has handed down a life sentence to a man convicted of fratricide. On Friday, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mezivolu T Therieh, found 49-year-old Lezo Seletsu guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the fatal shooting of his younger brother on August 20, 2023.

The Public Prosecutor's office detailed how Seletsu shot his 33-year-old brother after an altercation. Despite the victim's attempt to de-escalate by walking away, Seletsu retrieved a firearm from his house and shot him in the back, resulting in fatal injuries. The court viewed this action as a gravely serious offence.

Seletsu initially evaded arrest by going into hiding but was eventually apprehended. Recovery of the weapon used in the crime aided in building the case against him. In the absence of substantial mitigating circumstances, the court deemed life imprisonment and a Rs 10,000 fine an appropriate sentence for this egregious act.

(With inputs from agencies.)