SP urges public not to spread rumour, take law into own hands
Shillong, July 15: DNA analysis of a decomposed body recovered from Dawa Matchakolgre in East Garo Hills last year has been found to be that of a person, who allegedly murdered a woman.
While the body of accused James R Sangma was recovered on July 29, 2025, the woman was murdered at Samgong village on July 18, 2025.
Sangma had allegedly attacked the woman with a machete, causing her death.
In the case at Williamnagar Women Police Station, the accused was recorded as absconding.
However, 11 days later, an unidentified male body was found at Dawa Matchakolgre.
Family members later identified the clothes, mobile phone and rosary found on the body as belonging to Sangma.
Police subsequently registered a separate case to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding his death.
“DNA samples of the deceased and blood samples of Sangma’s siblings were sent to CFSL. The report confirmed a biological relationship, establishing the deceased’s identity,” East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao said.
The SP said a separate investigation into Sangma’s death had already been initiated soon after the body was recovered.
“Police is looking at all the angles surrounding the death of the deceased person,” the SP said, adding, “We are looking at the angles of not only suicide but also the possibility of murder.”
The SP said the investigation has been particularly challenging because the body was recovered in a highly decomposed state.
“As per the postmortem report, the body was partially skeletonised also. So the cause of death could not be ascertained as per the postmortem. We are now mostly focusing on technical evidence and trying to find out more witnesses to see if anybody is aware of any of the circumstances surrounding the death of late James,” he said.
Police also said Sangma was wanted in another case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2024.
The final report in the woman’s murder case has now been submitted before the competent court, while the investigation into Sangma’s death is continuing.
Appealing to the public, the SP urged the people of East Garo Hills to refrain from spreading rumours, taking the law into their own hands, or circulating misinformation, noting that the matter is now sub judice and the details have already been submitted before the competent court.
