Teenager wants fresh probe into relatives’ murder

SHILLONG/TURA: Ringgat T. Sangma, the 19-year-old girl whose parents and other members of the family were killed in 2015 for allegedly practising witchcraft, has demanded fresh probe into the case.
Speaking on Ringgat’s behalf, social activist Jaynie N. Sangma told the media in Shillong on Tuesday that the statement of the teenager recorded by the investigating officer was not true.
Ringgat apparently told police that her parents and other members of the family used to prepare medicines and she was sure they practised witchcraft. She was recorded as stating that she was happy that they were dead.
After reading out the statement, Jaynie said, “How can anyone be happy when her relatives are dead? The statement was not given by her and it is not true. The statement does not even bear her signature.”
The activist said four persons were arrested but they were granted bail.
Ringgat has appealed to the district administration to order a fresh probe on the grounds that the previous investigation did not cover all aspects of the January 2015 case and police were partial.
The teenager lost her father Hallen T. Sangma and mother Bala T. Sangma, grandfather Hedison B. Marak, brother Washing T. Sangma and uncle David Maxillinier T. Sangma, all of whom were targeted by villagers of Mrigre in Rongram block in West Garo Hills.
The bodies were then buried in two graves. The incident came to light after the wife of one of the victims lodged a missing report prompting an investigation and discovery of the bodies a month later.
The village is 20 km from Tura.
Ringgat, who is demanding an impartial probe, will soon submit a petition to Director General of Police S.B Singh this week.
Since charge sheet has already been filed in the case, the matter has been referred for legal opinion, said police in Tura.
However, Ringgat’s move has been opposed by a section of her clan members.
The earlier investigation had found that almost the entire village was involved in the crime. It was suspected that Jepson T. Sangma, David’s cousin, instigated the violence as he wanted their land.
The village headman (Nokma), Lind B Marak, and three others – Robson P Marak, Chendal T. Sangma and Seminal B. Marak- were arrested after the investigation but all of them got bail.