The family members of the two persons who died in a mob attack in Umthlong village, Eastern West Khasi Hills district said that do not believe that the duo tried to rape a girl.
The family member of Harmendra Kharkylliang said that he was a father of seven children and had six grandchildren, and accepted that he used to consume alcohol.
A family member of Kharkylliang said that they were informed that the villagers had detained the two who were kept in the community hall of the village but when they reached the place they were not allowed to speak to their kin.
“We wanted to ask them if the accusations were true but the authorities of the Shnong did not allow us,” the family member said.
The family member said that since they were not allowed to interact with the duo they waited out after which they hear the mob assaulting them.
The families also said that although police reached the spot they were not allowed to enter the place.
The family member of Kharkylliang pleaded with the villagers not to beat them up.
According to her they heard the crowd shouting to beat up the two individuals even as the fillies of the duo kept crying.
The families also alleged that they were also prevented from speaking with the family of the girl who alleged that the two tried to rape her.
Kharkylliang sustained critical injuries and was referred to Shillong Civil Hospital for further treatment where he succumbed at around 11.30 pm, while his colleague Miller Kurbah died on the spot. His post mortem was conducted on Saturday.
The last rites for the victims will be held on Sunday.
