SHILLONG, MAY 18: The state police on Monday exhumed the body of Trophimos Khongmawdoh, a resident of Pynter village, who was allegedly assaulted by members of a Village Defence Party.
Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the exhumation was delayed by the weather.
“The body was supposed to be exhumed on Friday but due to inclement weather the body was exhumed today,” Syiem told reporters. “Post-mortem was done on the spot. We will await the report of the post-mortem to ascertain whether he was murdered or whether he died of natural cause.”
He said further legal steps hinge on the findings. “Thereafter we will take a call whether to move court for cancellation of the bail and thereafter cause arrest,” he said.
The man had been buried since April 7.
“Yes, the body has decomposed as it was since 7 of April so it is decomposed,” Syiem said. “But let us hope that we will get some clues on the cause of death.”
Police confirmed an altercation had occurred at the deceased’s household, leading to VDP intervention. “Investigation is still on to actually ascertain whether the assault by VDPs… yes it is a fact that some assault had taken place due to altercation and issue which happened in that household, where the VDP and the headman had to interfere,” Syiem said.
“But to ascertain whether the assault caused the death or whether it was self-inflicted or it was a natural cause, that will be clear after the post-mortem report is out,” he added.
Syiem said police are examining all evidence. “In fact, all angles to the case right from the video, people who have been over there, we are trying to ascertain more into the case and thereafter come to conclusion on whether these people are guilty or not,” he said.
Eleven people have secured anticipatory bail in connection with the case. “The process is on. 11 people have taken anticipatory bail, that means their involvement is there,” Syiem said.
“Other witnesses who were bystanders or who were present on the spot, we are trying to ascertain that because they become independent witnesses to the case.”
