SHILLONG, June 21: Seven days on but the police are still awaiting the post-mortem reports of the Hajong couple, even as the demand for a thorough and impartial probe into their alleged “murder” continues to grow.
The bodies of Simanta Hajong (21) and Pronomy Hajong (22) were found hanging inside a roadside shed at Lumsohphoh, Nongthymmai along the Shillong-Jowai Road on June 14. Simanta was from Ranikor and Pronomy from Balat, both in South West Khasi Hills district.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem on Sunday said that the police were yet to receive the post-mortem reports.
The Ranikor block unit of the National People’s Party urged the police to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the deaths.
Talking to The Shillong Times, Nelbi T. Sangma, president of the unit, called for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team and urged authorities to expedite the probe.
According to Sangma, the circumstances surrounding the deaths have raised doubts among family members, villagers and the public.
“The investigation should remove all doubts and satisfy the family members who are seeking the truth,” he said, warning that prolonged delays in the investigation could further fuel public suspicion and speculation.
Sangma said that the families, as well as villagers and local leaders who visited the place of occurrence, found it difficult to accept that the two had taken their own lives.
“Although forensic experts indicated suicide, many people, who have seen photographs, videos and the location, are not convinced,” he said.
Simanta was the only son of his widowed mother and belonged to the Munaisora village, while Pronomy, the second of three daughters, was from the Mawshaliah village. Financial hardship forced the two to seek employment in Shillong.
Their families are now devastated. Simanta’s mother reportedly collapsed at NEIGRIHMS when she was waiting for the completion of the post-mortem examination.
Questions have been raised on the absence of the employers of the two deceased during the post-mortem process and when the bodies were handed over to relatives.
Villagers pointed to concerns over the working conditions of the deceased, particularly Pronomy, who reportedly finished work after midnight and often had to walk a considerable distance to her accommodation.
According to local residents, Simanta would often wait for her after work and accompany her home. They claimed that he had waited for her even on the night before their bodies were discovered.
They were in a relationship and it was reportedly known to co-workers.
Pronomy was last seen leaving the cafe where she worked at around 12.34 am on June 14. Simanta had completed his work the previous evening. The place, where they were found dead, is barely 50 metres from their workplaces.
