SHILLONG: The District Administration does not wish to interfere in the beliefs of the family of Shanborstar Mawthoh (19), who was killed when lightning struck him on Thursday evening while he was working in the field at Mawlynrei, P S Dkhar Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills informed even though he has sent for a Magistrate to meet the family members of the deceased.
However, the post-mortem is mandatory in this case, but if the family wishes to get exemption from carrying out the post-mortem, they will have to apply for exemption, the DC pointed out.
It was learnt that the family members refused to remove the body of Shanborstar who was struck by lightning in the field with a belief that he will be brought back to life in three days. On asking the DC whether awareness campaign should be held to eradicate superstitious beliefs, he said, “it is a rare case as we are living in an age where people are aware of manifold issues around them.
However, this is the first case so far and we do not wish to disturb the people’s beliefs. If such cases come up, we will initiate discussions with the village heads to deal such problems arising out of one’s beliefs.”
Shanborstar Mawthoh, will finally be laid to rest on Sunday, at 2 pm by his family after his body was kept for three days and three nights in the field.
