Shillong: A seven-year-old boy was found dead in a forested area near Mawpat on the outskirts of Shillong on Thursday morning, in what police believe to be a case of homicide.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem confirmed that initial evidence pointed towards murder.
“All indications suggest it is a case of homicide. The post-mortem report will help determine the exact cause and nature of injuries,” he said.
Given the sensitivity of the case, Syiem said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may soon be constituted to take over the probe.
“Considering the brutal nature of the crime and the fact that it involves a child, an SIT will likely be required,” he added.
Investigators suspect that the boy’s body was dumped at the site where it was discovered, a secluded stretch of road surrounded by dense vegetation.
This is the second disturbing case involving a minor in the Nongrah area in recent weeks.
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In September, a 13-year-old boy was detained in connection with the death of four-year-old Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai, whose body was recovered from a construction site a day after she went missing.
While police have not yet found any link between the two incidents, Syiem said all possible angles are being explored.
He urged residents to remain alert, improve neighbourhood security by installing CCTV cameras and ensuring adequate street lighting, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the police control room at 112.
