Shillong, Aug 30, 2025: The sudden death of 26-year-old Jonathan Rynjah, whose body was discovered in a train toilet at Paikhana Railway Station in Palakkad, Kerala, has left his family and the communities of Mawlai Mawiong and Nongkwar devastated.
Jonathan’s body was brought back to his native village, Nongkwar, for the last rites. His father, Bah Kordor Rynjah, and sister, Jessica Rynjah, addressed the media at their Mawiong residence, appealing for a thorough investigation.
“This is a deeply distressing incident that has left the entire family heartbroken. We urge the authorities to conduct a proper investigation to uncover the truth behind his death,” Jessica said. She also appealed to the Human Rights Commission and the state government to intervene and ensure justice.
The family acknowledged the cooperation extended by both Kerala and Meghalaya police. However, they expressed frustration over delays, as the post-mortem report is still awaited. Preliminary findings reportedly indicate possible death due to asphyxia, with traces of trauma observed on the body.
Bah Kordor and relatives had traveled to Kerala to gather details. According to officials, Jonathan was last seen in the S-6 coach of the Vivek Express, where the train toilet was found locked. Railway authorities then alerted Palakkad police. Doctors at the Palakkad District Hospital later confirmed his death, which police have so far classified as an unexplained death.
The family has also raised concerns over Jonathan’s missing belongings. Jessica pointed out that his mobile phone and money surfaced at Guwahati Railway Station, even though Jonathan had stayed briefly in the waiting room at Thiruvananthapuram on August 26 before boarding the train the following day.
Bah Kordor recalled that the last call from Jonathan came on August 27 at Saitjaiñ station, shortly after the family had sent him money via GPay. Two days later, on August 29, Kerala police informed them that Jonathan had been found dead in the train at around 2:40 pm.
The family is demanding clarity, accountability, and justice as they await the official post-mortem report.
