By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 15: The body of Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai, a four-year-old girl from Nongrah Nonglum, was recovered on Monday morning from an under-construction building near her residence, sending shock waves across the state.
Police said the body was discovered at around 8 am by a construction labourer working at the site. A team from Rynjah Police Station reached the spot shortly after being alerted.
The child went missing from her residence on Sunday morning at around 8 am. Following her disappearance, family members filed a missing person complaint at the Rynjah Police Station. Residents of the locality and members of the Dorbar Shnong immediately conducted a search operation to trace her.
Following the recovery of the body, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma directed the police to probe the case thoroughly. He expressed deep anguish over the tragic death of the four-year-old child.
The girl’s body was recovered under circumstances suggesting a suspected homicide.
“I have directed the Meghalaya Police to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay,” the CM said.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SP (City) Herbert Kharkongor has been constituted to probe the alleged murder.
Speaking to reporters, Syiem said the SIT would thoroughly investigate the case to establish the facts and identify those responsible.
“We will be examining more people as the investigation progresses. Once we get the autopsy report, a clearer picture will emerge,” he said.
He added that forensic experts, along with a dog squad, inspected the site where the body was recovered.
The child’s body was subsequently shifted to NEIGRIHMS, where a post-mortem examination was conducted.
“We are registering a murder case, and the family has gone to file a formal complaint at the police station,” the SP confirmed.
Earlier, Rangbah Shnong of Nongrah, Denis Lynrah, informed reporters that sniffer dogs had combed the same area on Sunday but failed to detect any clues.
Asked whether the Dorbar suspected foul play, Lynrah said it was too early to comment while the investigation was still under way.
“We will fully cooperate with the police during the course of the investigation. If necessary, we will also assist in identifying those responsible for the murder of the young child,” Lynrah said.
He further mentioned that the Dorbar’s Executive Committee would soon convene a meeting to discuss stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, police issued a stern warning to individuals and YouTubers, etc., for uploading and circulating video clips and photographs of the minor on various social media platforms.
“Such thoughtless acts are severely affecting the family members of the victim and the society as a whole which indicates that there is no respect for the victim and her family. In this regard, it is hereby urged to all such individuals, etc., not to upload such posts on any social media platforms, WhatsApp status, etc., and to take down all such posts immediately which have been uploaded/circulated,” the police said, while warning that failure to comply with the advisory will attract serious legal implications.