MAWKYRWAT, July 20: A 16-day search for a missing 76-year-old woman from Jakrem ended in tragedy on Monday when her body was discovered in a remote jungle, with South West Khasi Hills police now treating the case as a suspected murder.
The body of Joit Kharlyngdoh, who was mentally challenged, was found at approximately 2 PM in the Krem Motbih Pamske jungle, about 13 kilometers from Mawkyrwat.
Jakrem Myntri Pascal Wahlang stated that local residents foraging for wild mushrooms discovered the remains. Since Kharlyngdoh was reported missing over two weeks ago, villagers had conducted daily searches in the surrounding areas with police assistance, but found no trace of her until today.
The discovery raises questions for investigators. While police previously deployed the MLP K9 CID unit to search the area, the dogs failed to locate her, suggesting the possibility that the body may have been moved to the site at a later time.
Following the discovery, a police team and Crime Scene Unit (CSU) conducted a spot inquest. The deceased was identified by her son, Remingstone K Lyngdoh. While officers secured the scene and seized clothing for evidence, no incriminating items were immediately recovered.
The body has been moved to the Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital morgue. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the exact cause and time of death.
“As of now, we are treating this as a murder case; however, the situation will become clearer once we receive the post-mortem report,” a police official said.
