SHILLONG: Police authorities have launched an investigation into the twin lynching incidents that shook Umthlong Village in Eastern West Khasi Hills, with a focus on understanding the lapses that led to the incident.
Reportedly, on May 3, around 5:30 pm, a mob of approximately 1500 individuals in Umthlong Village took the law into their own hands, resulting in the lynching of two local men, identified as Melar Kurbah (35) from Demthring village, and Hasmendra Kharkylliang (50).
According to police reports, the Officer-in-Charge of Mairang police station received a distressing call around 4:05 pm on Friday from the Sordar of Umthlong Village.
The caller informed authorities that two individuals were being detained by the village dorbar on allegations of attempting to rape a 17-year-old girl at her residence.
The accused were apprehended by villagers around 1:30 pm and taken to the Community Hall.
However, upon the arrival of the magistrate and the police at approximately 4:55 pm, the crowd gathered at the scene prevented them from taking custody of the accused.
Police officials narrated that while the magistrate was engaged in negotiations with the crowd to facilitate the transfer of the accused to police custody, the situation suddenly escalated.
Some individuals in the crowd stormed the community hall, forcibly broke open its doors, and proceeded to lynch the two suspects. Following the lynching, the mob dispersed.
In response to the emergency, the magistrate promptly called for medical assistance, and the injured individuals were rushed to Tirot Sing Civil Hospital in Mairang.
Unfortunately, Kurbah was pronounced dead upon arrival at 7 pm, while Kharkylliang, despite being referred to Shillong Civil Hospital, was also declared brought dead upon reaching the facility.
In light of these distressing events, two FIRs have been lodged at Mairang Police Station, resulting in the registration of two cases:
Further investigation has revealed that the Sordar of Umthlong village became aware of the incident around 1:30 pm but notified the police only at 4:05 pm, raising questions about the delay in reporting the grave situation.
