Shillong: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem, on Monday confirmed that the drowning death of a four-year-old child, initially thought to be accidental, has now been classified as a homicide.
According to the investigation, a 13-year-old boy, a juvenile in conflict with the law, allegedly caused the child’s death and is currently held in a juvenile home. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) stated that the act was intentional, although the exact motive remains under inquiry.
SP Syiem revealed that the accused claimed the incident arose allegedly over a biscuit, but investigators are also exploring a possible link to an attempted sexual assault.
Authorities are continuing their inquiry to determine the full circumstances and intent behind the crime. The SIT has confirmed that no other individuals were involved and the juvenile is the sole perpetrator.
Meanwhile, the SIT is continuing its probe into the murder of a seven-year-old boy whose body was recovered from Mawpat.
Multiple suspects are being examined and authorities are investigating potential motives, including ransom or sexual assault, though preliminary reports have not confirmed sexual assault. Post-mortem examinations are ongoing to clarify the exact cause of death.
SP Syiem added that the seven-year-old’s body bore multiple injuries, some sustained before death and others postmortem, likely due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
Officials are awaiting the full post-mortem report to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the child’s murder.
