By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 7: The mysterious death of 39-year-old Eilang Phawa has taken a dramatic turn, with police now investigating the possible involvement of Kennedy Khongsit — the man recently arrested for the murder of a seven-year-old boy in Nongrah last year.
Phawa’s body was recovered on April 6 from a stream (drain) bordering Nongrah and Lapalang, nearly two weeks after she was reported missing on March 20. The discovery has sparked serious concerns, especially after reports that she was last seen with Khongsit.
Fresh developments, however, reveal that Phawa and Khongsit were spotted together on March 20 at a tea stall in Nongrah. The tea stall owner confirmed that the two visited the shop between 5 pm and 5:30 pm on March 20. According to the owner, Phawa appeared uncomfortable and wanted to leave early, but Khongsit allegedly stopped her and insisted she finish her drink. The pair reportedly stayed for about 10 minutes before leaving together.
Police have verified their presence at the tea stall and are continuing to investigate the sequence of events and their subsequent movements.
Family members strongly maintained that they were unaware of any connection between Phawa and Khongsit. They said her body will be taken to her native village in Moosiang near Nartiang after the post-mortem for the last rites.
Meanwhile, Khongsit’s mother expressed shock and deep anguish over her son’s alleged involvement in the child murder case. She said she could not believe he was capable of such a crime, though she admitted his behaviour had changed noticeably in recent months after his wife left him. He had begun returning home late, smoking, consuming alcohol, and sometimes staying out overnight.
She added that the family had actively participated in the search for the missing child last year, completely unaware of any alleged role her son might have played.
Police had earlier stated that Khongsit, 32, is accused of killing the seven-year-old boy on October 8, 2025, reportedly over a minor dispute. The child’s body was allegedly concealed and later disposed of in a remote location.
Investigators are now probing Khongsit’s possible involvement in Phawa’s death, adding a chilling new dimension to the case.
