SHILLONG, July 21: More than three months after the death of Trophimos Khongmawloh, his father, Netnobiweit Khongsdoh, said on Tuesday that he continues to seek justice, dismissing claims that his son died after ingesting broken glass. Khongsdoh maintains his son succumbed to injuries sustained during an alleged assault by the Rangbah Shnong of Pynter village and members of the Village Defence Party (VDP).
Khongsdoh’s statement follows the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission’s (MHRC) decision to decline his complaint. The Commission ruled that the allegations were directed against private individuals rather than government officials, placing the matter outside its jurisdiction.
Expressing disappointment, Khongsdoh questioned the decision, noting that the VDP operates within a government-recognised framework. He also questioned why the Commission did not examine the role of the Pynter Sub-Centre in the events leading to his son’s death.
According to Khongsdoh, Trophimos was taken to the Pynter Sub-Centre after an alleged assault at the village Dorbar Hall on the night of April 7. Witnesses at the health facility reportedly said the injuries did not appear life-threatening at the time,
and only a head wound was dressed before he was taken away by those who brought him. Trophimos’ body was returned home by VDP members on the morning of April 8.
The initial claim made to the family was that Trophimos died after consuming broken window panes while being held at the Dorbar Hall for allegedly creating a disturbance. However, nearly a month later, a video surfaced appearing to show a man being brutally assaulted. Identifying the victim as his son, Khongsdoh lodged a complaint at Sadar Police Station, which was later transferred to Pynursla.
As part of the investigation, the body was exhumed on May 18 for a post-mortem examination. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem recently stated that preliminary reports recorded injury marks on the body, though they were described as non-fatal.
While sharp objects were detected in the stomach, the SP said police are awaiting histopathological and toxicological reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory in Shillong before concluding the exact cause of death.
Khongsdoh stated he will wait for the final forensic findings before deciding on his next legal course of action.
