Gauhati High Court Orders Withdrawal of Controversial Police Statement in Murder Case
Court Directs Mizoram Police to Revoke Press Release
File image of Gauhati High Court (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Aizawl, Sept 2: The Gauhati High Court has instructed the Mizoram Police to retract a press release that named a deceased individual as the main suspect in the murder of a young woman, stating that the announcement breached established police protocols for media communications.
Justice Rajesh Mazumdar issued the order on August 28, mandating that the authorities rescind the statement released on January 27 within a week of receiving the court's directive.
This ruling has reignited scrutiny over the events that transpired following the police announcement, which included an eviction notice against the suspect's family and a reported mob attack that resulted in their home being vandalized and set ablaze.
The case pertains to the alleged murder of a young woman whose body was discovered near the Mizoram University football field on December 13, 2025, after she had been missing for 12 days.
On December 16, RL Peka, the husband of the petitioner, C Laltanpuii, fell from the first floor of their home and later died from his injuries in a hospital.
On January 27, the Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) and the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Mizoram Police Media Cell released a statement identifying Peka as the primary suspect in the murder, asserting that the investigation had determined his involvement in the woman's death.
This police statement sparked significant public outrage in Tanhril, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Aizawl.
On the same day, leaders from three local organizations – Young Mizo Association, Mizo Upa Pawl, and Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl – issued a notice stating that the family of the alleged perpetrator would be prohibited from residing within the Tanhril local council's jurisdiction. This situation quickly escalated into violence at the petitioner's home.
The petitioner claimed in her High Court application that a large mob gathered at her residence during construction work. Allegations include stones being thrown at the property before the mob set the house on fire and looted valuables.
She further alleged that police officers were present but did not take adequate action to safeguard her property. The petitioner argued that the police's press release, which named her deceased husband as the main suspect, incited the mob violence.
While the court has not ruled on all claims related to the violence, it has specifically determined that the police's press release violated the media briefing protocols outlined in the police manual.
The High Court has also mandated measures for compensating those affected by the violence, with further hearings scheduled for December 4.