Our Bureau
NONGPOH/SHILLONG, Oct 10: There seems to be no end to incidents of crimes involving minor children in Meghalaya. Just a day after the body of a seven-year-old was recovered from a forest in Mawpat, the body of a minor girl from Ri-Bhoi District, who had been missing since Thursday morning after returning from school, was found inside a nearby jungle the same evening, in what police suspect to be a case of rape and murder.
According to police, the girl was last seen around 11 am on October 9. When she failed to return home, her family began searching for her and later discovered her body at around 7:20 pm.
Police officers, along with the Meghalaya Forensic Crime Scene Unit (MFCSU), conducted a thorough examination of the scene and collected evidence before shifting the body to Civil Hospital, Nongpoh, for further investigation.
An inquest and post-mortem examination was conducted on Friday at Nongpoh Civil Hospital. Authorities said that prima facie, it appears to be a case of rape and murder. Police also informed that a suspect has been identified but is currently absconding and that all efforts are being made to arrest the accused at the earliest.
In another development, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SP (City) Herbert Kharkongor has been constituted to probe the alleged murder of seven-year-old Kyrshanbor Kharmudai, whose body was recovered from a forest at Mawpat on Thursday.
This is the same team that investigated the death of four-year-old Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai from Nongrah last month.
Meanwhile, hundreds of citizens gathered on Friday afternoon to bid a tearful farewell to Kyrshanbor, as his remains were laid to rest at the Catholic Church cemetery in Nongmyrboh, Nongrah.
Among those who paid their last respects were leaders of various youth organisations and members of the public who came forward to offer condolences to the grieving family.
Former minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Mawryngkneng MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran, and Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) chairperson Iamonlang Syiem were among those who pay tribute to the young victim.
Many mourners broke down in tears as they grieved the tragic loss. The seven-year-old had gone missing on Wednesday evening from his home at Lum Myrboh Block-3 and his body was recovered the following morning from a forest at Mawpat.
The shocking incident has left residents deeply disturbed, particularly as it marks the second case within a month where minors from the locality were found dead after being reported missing.
MSCW chairperson Iamonlang Syiem expressed deep shock and condemned the brutal act.
“The reported murder of minors has shaken the sentiments of the entire community,” Syiem said, stressing the need for close coordination between police, Dorbar Shnong members, citizens, and parents to ensure the safety of children.
Mawryngkneng MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran also condemned the murder, describing it as a horrifying crime that has shocked the community. He urged police to expedite the investigation and apprehend those responsible.
Kharpran further appealed to parents to remain vigilant to prevent such tragedies in the future, while also calling upon the Dorbar Shnong to work closely with authorities to end the disturbing trend of violence against minors.
