Mizoram Murder Mystery Solved: Deceased Pensioner Named Prime Accused After Month-Long Forensic Probe
In a significant breakthrough, Mizoram Police have finally unraveled a chilling murder mystery that had gripped the state, naming a deceased pensioner as the prime accused after an extensive forensic investigation. The case, which involved piecing together call records, CCTV footage, and DNA evidence, has brought closure to a tragic incident that began with the disappearance of a young woman.
The Disappearance and Discovery
The investigation traces back to December 3, 2025, when John Sanghnuna of Tanhril Vengpui reported that his 26-year-old granddaughter, Marina Lalchhanchhuahi, had gone missing. According to the report, Marina had left her home two days earlier to purchase groceries and never returned. A missing person report was promptly filed, triggering intensive search operations involving local volunteers and community members.
The search took a grim turn on December 13 when the Tanhril unit of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) alerted police to a suspected female body discovered near the Mizoram University football ground. The body was in a highly decomposed state, making immediate identification challenging. However, Marina's mother later confirmed the identity, leading to a post-mortem examination and the registration of an unnatural death case.
Forensic Evidence Points to the Accused
As the investigation progressed, police uncovered crucial details about Marina's personal life. It was revealed that she was pregnant and had spoken about marrying an elderly pensioner. This information became pivotal when, on December 16, police received news that RL Peka, a 62-year-old temporary resident of Tanhril, had died after jumping from his building.
Forensic teams immediately examined Peka's vehicle, where they discovered bloodstains. Further analysis of his mobile phone revealed Marina's contact saved under an alias, along with a photograph of a pregnancy test kit dated November 12, 2025. These findings provided the first concrete links between Peka and the victim.
CCTV and DNA Evidence Seal the Case
CCTV footage played a crucial role in establishing the timeline of events. The footage confirmed that Peka's vehicle entered the Mizoram University campus on December 1, the very day Marina went missing. The vehicle remained on campus for over two hours, aligning with the timeframe of her disappearance.
Forensic analysis later matched the blood found in Peka's car to Marina's DNA. Additionally, bone fragments and a tooth recovered from the crime scene were conclusively identified as belonging to the victim. This DNA evidence provided irrefutable proof of Peka's involvement in the crime.
Formal Charges and Conclusion
Based on the cumulative evidence gathered over a month-long investigation, Mizoram Police officially registered a murder case on January 17 under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Vaivakawn Police Station. RL Peka was named as the principal accused, though he could not be formally arrested due to his prior death.
The case highlights the importance of forensic science in solving complex criminal investigations. Despite the accused's death, the thorough examination of call records, CCTV footage, and DNA evidence allowed authorities to piece together the events leading to Marina's tragic death, providing answers to her grieving family and the concerned community.
