Shillong, April 06: Within hours after police recovered a decomposed body from a stream at Lapalang near the locality boundary of Nongrah, Lummarboh and Lapalang on Monday, reports began circulating among residents of Nongrah that the body could belong to a woman identified as Elina Phawa, fondly known as Kong Larai.
Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Bah Vivek Syiem, stated that the body is suspected to be that of Elina Phawa, aged 39, who had been missing since March 20, 2026. She was residing at Lawjynriew and originally hailed from West Jaiñtia Hills District. He added that a detailed investigation will be carried out once the post-mortem report is received.
Speaking to media persons outside the post-mortem facility at NEIGRIHMS Hospital, President of Seng Kynthei Nongrah, Bobina Dhar, said that following the arrest of Kennedy Khongsit (accused in the murder of a minor boy), police seized CCTV footage on Saturday. “There are people who informed that Kong Larai was seen drinking tea with Kennedy at a shop located below my house before his arrest,” said Dhar.
She further stated that some individuals had informed the police after witnessing the two together, which prompted the authorities to collect CCTV footage. A child witness also reportedly confirmed seeing them drinking tea and eating together at the shop. “Only the CCTV footage and police investigation can confirm whether she was indeed with Kennedy. I did not witness it myself, but others told me so after news of his arrest spread,” she added.
Expressing concern, Dhar said the community is deeply affected by the incidents. “We are saddened by what happened to the young boy earlier, and now this has happened. People in the locality are emotionally disturbed.” When asked, she mentioned that it is estimated the body, which was found wrapped in cloth, may have been in the stream for over a week or possibly two, and was already in a decomposed state.
According to sources, the post-mortem examination of the unidentified female body recovered from Lapalang stream is scheduled to be conducted on Tuesday.
