Shillong, July 15: The On 18.07.2025 at about 8:35 PM, Williamnagar Women Police Station received a written First Information Report alleging that one female had been brutally assaulted with a machete by Late Shri James R. Sangma at Village Samgong at about 4:00 PM on the same day, resulting in her death.
Accordingly, Williamnagar Women Police Station Case No. 13/2025 under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was registered, and investigation was taken up immediately.
Following the incident, the accused, Late James R. Sangma, absconded. Intensive search operations were launched, and sustained efforts were made by the District Police to apprehend him by adopting all lawful investigative measures. Despite exhaustive efforts, the accused could not be traced.
However, on 29.07.2025, a highly decomposed unidentified male dead body was recovered from Village Dawa Matchakolgre under Williamnagar Police Station. The wearing apparel found on the deceased was first identified by the family members as that of the absconding accused, Late James R. Sangma.
During the search and examination of the body, a mobile phone and a rosary were recovered from the pocket of the deceased’s trousers, which were subsequently identified by the family members as belonging to Late James R. Sangma.
Consequently, a separate cognizable case was registered at Williamnagar Police Station vide Williamnagar PS case No. 23/2025 U/s 103(1)/238(a) BNS and investigation into the identity of the deceased as well as the circumstances leading to his death was taken up.
To scientifically ascertain the identity of the deceased, biological samples collected during the post-mortem examination, along with blood samples of the siblings of Late James R. Sangma, were forwarded to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for DNA profiling and expert opinion.
The CFSL reported that the biological samples of the unknown deceased exhibited a biological relationship with the siblings of Late James R. Sangma. The scientific findings, read in conjunction with the oral, documentary and other corroborative evidence collected during the course of investigation, established that the deceased was Late James R. Sangma, the alleged accused in the murder of the said female in Williamnagar Women Police Station Case No. 13/2025 U/S 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Further, it is to be mentioned that Late Shri James R. Sangma is also a named and wanted accused in connection with another case registered vide Williamnagar Women Police Station Case No. 14/2024 U/S 3(a)/4 of POCSO Act.
Upon completion of the investigation, the Final Form in connection with Williamnagar Women Police Station Case No. 13/2025 U/S 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 has been submitted before the competent Court in accordance with law.
The District Police reiterates that the investigation has been conducted in a fair, impartial, professional and scientific manner, and that all available legal, scientific and investigative measures have been undertaken to ensure that the truth is brought before the Court and justice is pursued strictly in accordance with law.
As the matter is now sub judice before the competent Court, the District Police appeals to the public to refrain from speculation or the dissemination of misinformation. The District Police remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that justice is served through the due process of law.
