Mairang, February 12, 2026: A 25-year-old man from Nongthymmai village in Eastern West Khasi Hills district, identified as Kerang Sawkmie, is suspected to have been murdered, with police arresting three persons, including his two maternal uncles, in connection with the case.
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| Search and Rescue Team divers conduct operations in a deep river gorge at Nongthymmai village, Eastern West Khasi Hills, amid ongoing investigation into a suspected murder case. |
According to family members, Sawkmie, a father of two young children aged four and over two years, left home on February 6 to undertake timber work in a nearby forest along with his two uncles and a friend. He did not return home that day and remained untraceable.
After conducting their own search and questioning the three individuals who accompanied him, the family lodged a missing person complaint at Mairang Police Station on February 9. Police subsequently visited the reported work site and initiated an investigation.
Family members claimed that signs of a possible altercation were found at the location. They alleged that two of the accused later confessed to killing Sawkmie and disposing of his body in a deep gorge or river pool within Nongthymmai village.
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Police sources confirmed that the missing complaint was officially received on February 9 and that three suspects were arrested on February 10 following preliminary investigation. A Forensic Crime Scene Unit examined the suspected site, and weapons were reportedly seized in connection with the case.
Personnel from the Search and Rescue Team (SRT) conducted operations by entering a deep pool in an attempt to recover the body. Despite repeated efforts by divers, the remains have not yet been recovered. Search operations are ongoing in coordination with local authorities and village members.
The investigation into the suspected murder is continuing.
