Second death of minor within a month in Nongrah
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 9: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem on Thursday said that the death of Kyrshanbor Kharmudai, a seven-year-old boy whose body was found in a forest at Mawpat, warrants a thorough investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The child was reported as missing from Nongrah locality since Wednesday.
This is the second such incident involving the death of a minor within a month from the same locality.
Four-year-old Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai’s body was recovered from the site of an under-construction building a day after she was reported missing from near her residence at Nongrah. The incident happened in September. A 13-year-old boy was picked up in connection with the girl’s death.
Speaking to reporters at the site where the boy’s body was recovered, Syiem said he favoured an SIT probe as the case involves the murder of a child.
“The SIT, which includes specialist officers, has always brought positive results in investigations. In all likelihood, an SIT will be formed,” he stated.
Syiem said that preliminary evidence confirmed it was a case of homicide. However, he said that the post-mortem report will provide a clearer understanding of the injuries sustained by the victim.
“Based on the findings of the post-mortem report, we will proceed with the investigation. A case will be registered and investigated accordingly,” he said.
When asked about possible links between this case and that of Insaphira, found dead in the same locality, the SP said there is no immediate connection between the two.
“Right now, it appears to be an isolated case. The accused in the first incident has already been identified. Nonetheless, we will thoroughly investigate all angles,” he said.
Responding to a query, Syiem acknowledged that the latest incident has caused public concern and fear, especially in Nongrah.
“It is indeed a matter of concern and deeply painful for all of us. Incidents like this remind us that children need to be closely monitored and cared for,” he said.
Syiem further emphasised the importance of taking precautionary measures, including installing CCTV cameras and ensuring proper street lighting, especially in residential areas. He urged the public to stay vigilant.
“If people see children loitering alone, they should immediately inform the police by calling 112, so that we can ensure their safety through Childline and identify their guardians,” he said.
Asked whether the boy was killed at the site or his body was dumped there, Syiem said initial observations suggest the body was placed at the location.
The remains have been sent to the NEIGRIHMS for an autopsy.
Police teams from the Crime Scene Unit, as well as the Nongmensong and Mawdiangdiang police outposts, were present at the site to collect evidence and conduct preliminary inquiries.
Kyrshanbor’s aunt, Trilin Kharmudai, expressed anguish over her nephew’s death and urged the authorities to punish those responsible.
The boy’s mother passed away two years ago, and his father has been away from home for some time.
Recalling the moments before the child went missing on Wednesday evening, the aunt said she was at home, tending to her younger child, when Kyrshanbor went out to play.
According to her, the boy had been playing football with his elder brother, but soon stopped and stepped outside.
“When he went out, I didn’t suspect anything since they usually play near the house,” she explained.
Later, when she woke up, she noticed Kyrshanbor was missing. She called out to him several times and searched around the house, at neighbours’ homes, and at the nearby playground, but he was nowhere to be found.
Denying any family disputes, Trilin stressed that the family shares a close and loving relationship.
