Shillong: The disappearance of a four-year-old girl from Nongrah Nonglum in Shillong city ended in tragedy after her body was discovered on Monday morning at an under-construction building close to her home.
The victim, identified as Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai, had gone missing on Sunday around 8 am, prompting her family to lodge a missing person complaint at Rynjah Police Station.
Local residents, along with the Dorbar Shnong, had immediately launched a search operation to trace her.
The grim discovery was made by a construction worker at around 8 am on Monday.
Police teams from Rynjah quickly reached the scene, and forensic experts, aided by a dog squad, later examined the site for clues.
The child’s body was shifted to NEIGRIHMS for post-mortem examination.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that the case is being treated as a suspected homicide.
“We are registering a murder case, and the family has gone to file a formal complaint,” he said. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SP (City) Herbert Kharkongor has been formed to probe the matter.
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Syiem added that investigators would be questioning several individuals and that the autopsy report would provide a clearer picture.
Meanwhile, the police have cautioned individuals, including social media users and YouTubers, against circulating videos or photographs of the minor online.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, expressing anguish over the killing, said he had instructed the Meghalaya Police to ensure a thorough probe.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” he stressed.
