Raphael Warjri

Police are investigating a possible link between the murder of Eilang Phawa and Kennedy Khongsit, the 32-year-old accused in a previous child murder case, following claims that the two were seen together shortly before her disappearance.

The investigation gained momentum after Phawa’s body was recently recovered from a drain between Nongrah and Lapalang localities. Authorities have confirmed that the case is a murder and stated that the आरोपी has been identified, though no official confirmation has been made regarding Khongsit’s involvement.

According to sources, some individuals have claimed that Phawa and Khongsit were seen together at a tea stall in Nongrah a few days before she went missing. Police, however, said that while certain aspects of these claims are being verified, no conclusive evidence has yet emerged to establish a direct connection.

Family members of Phawa have denied any knowledge of an association between her and Khongsit. Speaking to the media at NEIGRIHMS, where the post-mortem examination is being conducted, they said they were unaware of the two knowing each other.

Relatives stated that Phawa was last seen on March 20, 2026, after leaving a relative’s residence at RR Colony at around 4 pm, and had remained untraceable until her body was recovered on April 6, reportedly wrapped in plastic.

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, IPS, said the investigation is ongoing and further details will be disclosed as the probe progresses.
Police are continuing to examine whether the two cases are connected or if the reported sighting of Phawa with Khongsit is coincidental. The body will be handed over to the family after the post-mortem for last rites at her native village in Moosiang near Nartiang.