Pynter Village, May 15: The East Khasi Hills Police have registered a murder case in connection with the death of a youth from Pynter village under the Pynursla Civil Sub-Division after the victim’s father alleged that his son was beaten to death inside the village Dorbar Hall.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Vivek Syiem informed that the incident allegedly took place on April 7, 2026, and that the complaint accused several villagers, including members of the Village Defence Party (VDP), the Rangbah Shnong and other village leaders, of assaulting the deceased identified as Trophimos Khongmawloh.
“Based on the complaint filed by the father of the deceased, we have registered a murder case and initiated a detailed investigation,” the SP said.
According to police, the victim’s father, Netnobiweit Khongsdoh, lodged an FIR at Sadar Police Station alleging that his son was assaulted inside the Dorbar Hall of Pynter village, leading to his death. The FIR reportedly named the village headman along with several VDP members.
The SP further informed that police have approached the competent court seeking permission for exhumation of the body under the provisions of Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to facilitate a fresh post-mortem examination and determine the exact cause of death.
Police sources said the investigation is presently being conducted under provisions related to murder, unlawful assembly and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The alleged offences may attract provisions including Section 103 (murder), Section 191 (rioting), Section 189 (unlawful assembly) and Section 61 (criminal conspiracy), subject to the outcome of the investigation and medical findings.
The SP confirmed that 11 persons have so far been arrested or taken into custody in connection with the case, while further investigation remains underway.
“We will be able to speak clearly only after receiving the post-mortem report which will determine the actual cause of death,” Vivek Syiem stated, adding that the forensic and medical findings would play a crucial role in deciding the next course of legal action.
He also urged Dorbar Shnongs, VDPs and village authorities not to take the law into their own hands and instead immediately inform the police whenever any public disturbance or suspected criminal activity occurs.
According to the SP, one of the major concerns in the present case was the alleged failure to promptly inform the police at the appropriate time, which may have allowed the situation to escalate.
The incident has triggered serious concern over alleged mob violence and the role of community-based institutions in handling law-and-order situations in rural areas. Police officials reiterated that any form of public assault or vigilante action is punishable under the law and individuals found involved could face stringent criminal charges.
