Shillong, May 16: The body of 27-year-old Trophimos Khongmawloh from Pynter village was unable to be exhumed on Saturday due to a landslide obstructing access to the area, located under the Pynursla civil sub division.
According to sources, the exhumation is now scheduled for Monday, pending the clearing of the landslide.
East Khasi Hills police have been permitted to exhume the body of the youth, who was allegedly beaten to death by village authorities on April 7.
Khongmawloh’s death has raised serious concerns after his father, Netnobiweit Khongsdoh, filed a FIR alleging murder. He claimed that his son was violently beaten by the village headman, Fullmoon Khongsdoh and members of the Village Defence Party (VDP), contradicting initial reports suggesting that the young man had died from poison (or ingesting glasses as per the FIR). Videos of the incident have emerged, and Khongsdoh has expressed disbelief regarding the death narrative, stating that the assault inflicted on his son appeared extremely brutal and excessive.
Following the FIR, a murder case was officially registered, but 11 suspects have reportedly obtained anticipatory bail to evade arrest.
The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, Riwar Mihngi Circle, has condemned the actions of the VDP. They are demanding justice for Khongmawloh’s family.
