SHILLONG: In a major breakthrough, the East Khasi Hills Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the murder of a seven-year-old boy from Lummyrboh, Nongrah, following a six-month-long investigation.
The accused, identified as Kennedy Khongsit, a resident of Lum Marboh, Nongrah, is a neighbour of the victim.
According to Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, the incident dates back to October 8, 2025, when a missing person report was lodged at Rynjah Police Station at around 8:20 PM. The child, an orphan, had been reported missing from his residence since 4:00 PM that day.
Despite extensive search efforts carried out by the police and the Nongrah Dorbar Shnong across the Rynjah Police Station jurisdiction, the child could not be located.
The following morning, police recovered a body from the roadside at Mawtngen, Mawpat. A forensic examination and subsequent identification by family members confirmed that the deceased was the missing child.
A post-mortem conducted at North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) revealed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to smothering.
Given the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the SP (City) was constituted to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. Investigators initially faced significant challenges due to the absence of clear evidence or motive, with no indications of sexual assault or financial gain.
After months of sustained investigation and evidence gathering, the SIT established the involvement of the accused. During interrogation, Khongsit confessed to committing the crime between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM at his residence.
Police said the accused had asked the child to assist him while cleaning a water tank. When the child, reportedly watching television, did not respond, Khongsit, in a fit of rage, caught him and suffocated him by covering his mouth and nose.
Following the incident, the accused concealed the body inside a Syntex water tank before later placing it in a gunny bag. He then transported the body using a Yamaha RZ scooty belonging to a relative and disposed of it at Mawpat at around 4:40 PM.
Khongsit was formally arrested on Tuesday. He will be produced in the court on Wednesday even as police will be seeking maximum custody of the accused.
Police officials stated that further investigation is underway as evidence is being finalised for submission before the court.
SP Vivek Syiem noted that the lack of an apparent motive made the case particularly challenging, but persistent efforts by the SIT ultimately led to the arrest of the accused.
