Shillong, April 06: The Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills District, Vivek Syiem, has confirmed that the body recovered from a stream at Lapalang, located along the boundary of Nongrah and Lapalang, is that of Eilang Phawa, aged 39, a resident of Lawjynriew, Shillong.
Speaking to the media, the SP said that she had been missing since March 20, 2026, and a missing report was lodged at Rynjah Police Station. “Immediately after receiving the complaint, information was shared with all police stations across districts, but no trace of her was found,” he said. “It was only today that the body was discovered wrapped in a plastic sheet in the Lapalang stream separating Nongrah and Lapalang,” he stated, adding that police rushed to the spot upon receiving information and initiated an investigation with the involvement of the Special Cell and forensic team.
“The body has been shifted to NEIGRIHMS Hospital today, and the post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow,” he added. “A case has been registered against the person involved. Police are currently carrying out an investigation to ensure that the accused is brought under the ambit of the law,” the SP said.
“We have also gathered some preliminary leads regarding the suspect. Soon, a clear picture will emerge about the person involved,” he further stated. On being asked, he said the body was in a decomposed condition, and only after receiving the post-mortem report will it be possible to determine the nature of injuries and the exact cause of death.
Meanwhile, Sandra Syiem, speaking to media persons at NEIGRIHMS Hospital, said, “The deceased (Eilang Phawa) is our relative. She used to stay with us during her childhood.” “We were shocked to receive the news. We had been searching for her since the day she went missing but could not find her. Today, after seeing the news, her relative called me to come here,” she said.
She also informed that Eilang Phawa had hearing and speech impairments and faced difficulty in communication due to physical limitations. “She could communicate within the family, but interacting with others was not easy for her,” she added. She further stated that she could not comment on any suspected involvement of any individual, while confirming that the body has been identified by a family member.
