SHILLONG: In the ongoing investigation into the death of Trophimos Khongmawloh, Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, clarified that the police are currently awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause that led to his demise.
This clarification comes after the Magisterial authorities of Pynursla Sub-Division, along with the police and medical doctors, exhumed the body of Trophimos Khongmawloh on May 18 to conduct a post-mortem examination.
The procedure aims to uncover the truth behind the allegations that Trophimos was severely assaulted to death by the Rangbah Shnong (Headman) and members of the Village Defence Party (VDP) of Pynter village on April 7.
Speaking on the development, SP Vivek Syiem informed that the exhumation and subsequent post-mortem were originally scheduled for Friday, but due to inclement weather, the procedure had to be rescheduled to Monday.
He pointed out that the body was highly decomposed since more than a month had passed since the incident on April 7.
Nonetheless, investigators are hopeful that the post-mortem will provide clear medical evidence regarding the cause of death, establishing whether he was murdered or died of other causes.
The SP clarified that once the report is obtained, the police will decide whether it is necessary to approach the court to seek the cancellation of the bail granted to the accused persons and subsequently proceed with their arrest.
The SP further stated that the investigation is actively progressing to verify whether the death directly resulted from the assault by the VDP members.
He confirmed that an altercation and physical assault had indeed taken place inside a house, which had prompted the intervention of the Rangbah Shnong and the VDP members.
However, whether the assault was the direct cause of death, or if he sustained self-inflicted injuries, or passed away due to other underlying reasons, will only become clear once the post-mortem report is officially released.
The police are investigating the case from all angles, which includes analyzing a video that has circulated widely, as well as recording statements from eyewitnesses present at the scene to unearth the truth.
He mentioned that, so far, 11 individuals have secured anticipatory bail, which indicates that there may be deeper underlying facts to the incident. The police are continuing to look for more witnesses from the area as these individuals serve as crucial, independent witnesses in the case.
It may be mentioned that the First Information Report (FIR) was formally lodged by the father of Trophimos Khongmawloh against the VDP members and the Rangbah Shnong of Pynter village.
In his complaint, the father alleged that they assaulted his son so brutally that it led to his death, a claim he maintained was substantiated by a video clip he managed to witness.
