Shillong, May 18: Police exhumed the body of 27-year-old Trophimos Khongmawloh, after his father alleged that he was beaten to death by village authorities of Pynter on April 7.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said on spot post-mortem examination was conducted after the body was exhumed today.
“We will wait for the reports to confirm whether the person was murdered or if his death was due to natural causes,” Syiem said. He informed that although the body was in a decomposed state, investigators remain hopeful that forensic findings may provide crucial clues.
The SP confirmed that police investigations have established that an assault had indeed taken place involving VDP members following an altercation at a household in the village.
“Investigation is still on to ascertain the assault by the VDPs. It is a fact that an assault did take place due to an altercation or an issue that happened in that household where the VDP and headman had to interfere, but we are trying to ascertain whether the assault caused the death or if it was self-inflicted,” Syiem said.
Police are analysing video evidence purportedly showing the assault and working to identify everyone involved.
According to the SP, 11 suspects have already secured anticipatory bail in connection with the case. He said this indicates their involvement.
Other witnesses who were bystanders or present at the spot are also being identified, as they become independent witnesses to the case, he said.
The father of the youth, Netnobiweit Khongsdoh had filed a FIR on May 5, 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).
