SHILLONG, AUG 4: West Jaintia Hills police have made a breakthrough in the investigation into the death of a 28-year-old man from Ialong, with three persons now in custody in connection with the alleged murder.
The deceased has been identified as El Dameshuliuh of Luti Tuber, whose body was recovered from Khilehrat in East Jaintia Hills District on July 31, 2026, police said.
The case took a key turn on the same day when information was received that a Maruti Alto K10, bearing registration number ML05 AG 0265, had been intercepted by Gumrah Police in Cachar District, Assam, along with two occupants, they said.
Acting on the lead, a team from the Phamer Traffic Cell moved to Gumrah in coordination with local authorities.
The vehicle and the two individuals were subsequently brought to Meghalaya for questioning following due legal process.
It later emerged that the car belonged to the deceased, which prompted police to register a case at Jowai Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Based on the investigation, two residents of East Jaintia Hills — 26-year-old Dapdangkmen Paslein of Laskein Village and 25-year-old Samuel Iakai of Umkyrpong Village — were arrested. A third accused, 26-year-old Dunivankmen Sutnga of Okhaidong Village, was taken into custody on August 4.
All three have since been produced before the court, while police continue to probe the sequence of events leading to the crime and gather further evidence.
The department has also expressed appreciation for the timely support extended by Gumrah Police in Assam, noting that their action in detaining the vehicle played a significant role in advancing the investigation.
Meanwhile, West Jaintia Hills Police urged residents to remain alert and keep their vehicles secured. Citizens have been asked to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling the toll-free Police Emergency Helpline 112.
