SHILLONG, March 4: Opposition VPP MLA from Mawryngkneng constituency, Heavingstone Kharpran, on Tuesday highlighted the government’s failure in tracking down missing individuals, questioning the efficiency of the investigative mechanisms in place.
Moving a call attention motion during the budget session of the Assembly, Kharpran reminded the members about a missing person from his constituency —Kasterbok Kharbuli (45) — who has been untraceable since November 1, 2024.
He expressed concern that, despite several months having passed, there is still no information about Kharbuli’s whereabouts, causing immense distress to his family and the entire village. “This prolonged disappearance raises serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of our investigative system. The lack of progress has only added to the family’s suffering and heightened fears among the people,” he stated.
Emphasising the need for immediate and decisive action, Kharpran urged the government to prioritise the case, deploy specialised investigative teams, and intensify search efforts. He further pointed out that this was not an isolated incident, stating, “There are many such missing cases, yet the government has consistently failed to trace these individuals.”
He called on the government to ensure that no case remains unsolved and that every possible effort is made to locate Kharbuli and other missing persons.
In reply, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, stated that upon receiving the report, an inquiry and search operation was launched. Alerts were sent to all police stations and outposts across Meghalaya and even Assam.
He further informed the House that a hue and cry notice had been issued, along with a lookout notice circulated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to all states and districts of Meghalaya.
Tynsong assured that coordinated efforts were ongoing to trace Kharbuli, covering all possible locations where he might be found. “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure the missing person is located as soon as possible. We will not rest until clarity is achieved,” he asserted.
Kasterbok Kharbuli, son of (L) T Kharpran of Sohryngkham Mawkynroh, Shillong, was reported missing from his residence on the morning of November 1, 2024.
He is described as 5 feet tall, dark-complexioned, loud-spoken, and mentally ill.
At the time of his disappearance, he was last seen wearing a blue jacket, black track suit, brown woolen cap, and white slippers.
