Nongpoh, July 20: A seven-year-old boy lost his life while four members of his family sustained injuries after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck their house at Umlamphlang village in Ri-Bhoi district in the early hours of Monday.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 4:00 am when a landslide crashed onto the house of Shri Stolin Khymdeit while the family was asleep.
The deceased has been identified as Pynhun Umbah (7), son of Shri Stolin Khymdeit. He suffered severe injuries in the incident and died on the spot.
The injured include the boy’s father, Shri Stolin Khymdeit (40), and his three siblings—Pynskhem Umbah (16), Ebani Umbah (13), and Saphira Umbah (8). They were immediately shifted to the Umtrai Primary Health Centre (PHC) for medical observation and treatment.
Police conducted an inquest over the body of the deceased in the presence of family members and witnesses. The family was informed about the requirement of a post-mortem examination, particularly for availing any government benefits.
However, the deceased’s father and other family members strongly objected to the post-mortem, stating that there was no suspicion of foul play behind the child’s death. They subsequently submitted a written application seeking exemption from the post-mortem examination to the Executive Magistrate of Ri-Bhoi district.
Following the request, Executive Magistrate Shri G.L.C. Mylliem, MCS, granted the post-mortem exemption. The body of the deceased was thereafter handed over to the family for the performance of the last rites.
Authorities are monitoring the situation as heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of the district.
