Aizawl: Mizoram Police have yet to arrest any suspect in the alleged murder of a 15-year-old girl in south Mizoram’s Lunglei district, nearly two weeks after her death, a police officer said on Sunday.
The officer, who is part of the investigation team, also denied a social media post claiming that the girl was killed by her aunt.
“An intensive investigation into the alleged murder is in progress. We have not yet arrested any suspect in the case, and we cannot reveal all the progress of the investigation,” the officer said.
He said the recent social media post alleging the aunt’s involvement was “fabricated” and factually incorrect.
“Our seniors or appropriate authorities will make a statement once there is a lead or breakthrough in the investigation,” he added.
The girl, a resident of Mualthuam North village, was found dead on August 5, two days after she went missing from her home.
Following an extensive search by relatives and local residents, her body was recovered from bushes on the premises of the government-run Mualthuam North Middle School.
Police registered a case at Lunglei Police Station under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 140(1) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Local residents familiar with the matter said the girl had been stabbed in the chest. They also said the autopsy report found no signs of sexual assault.
The state police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Lunglei SDPO R. Lalthankima, to conduct a thorough investigation.
Earlier, Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Education Minister Vanlalthlana condemned the crime and called for swift justice for the victim.
“Those responsible for this heinous crime must be identified and brought to justice without delay. They must face the full extent of the law,” the Chief Minister said in a social media post on August 5.
The state police have urged the public not to circulate unverified information or rumours that could hamper the investigation.
They also appealed to anyone with credible information about the case to come forward.