Two out of the four bodies discovered at Umpleng in East Jaintia Hills were identified.
The victims are 23-year-old Ravi Rai of Pastha Elam, Nepal and Nasar Kyndait (33) of Dkhiah East Pohshnong.
Police are in the process to ascertain the identity of the other two victims.
The four male bodies were found by labourers at a remote place behind the Umpleng market this morning. Their hands were tied with a rope as their bodies bore extreme severed marks. One of the victims had his head almost chopped off.
Superintendent of Police, Giri Prasad said police from the Umpleng Anti-Dacoity Camp were informed about the bodies at 7: 30 am.
“The bodies lying with their hands tied with a rope and multiple cut injuries are likely caused by sharp objects, and appeared to have been murdered,” Giri said.
He said the crime scene unit, mobile forensic crime scene unit, independent witnesses and magistrate were called in and an inquest was conducted on spot.
The bodies were shifted to Civil Hospital Khliehriat for post mortem.
While a criminal case has been taken up and investigation is ongoing, the SP said in view of the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to assist the investigating officer for an effective investigation.