Williamnagar, July 16: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Eastern Zone, Williamnagar, has carefully examined the press release issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, East Garo Hills District, concerning Williamnagar Women Police Station Case No. 13/2025 under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

While the Union respects the authority of the investigating agency and the due process of law, it is constrained to express serious concerns over several unanswered questions arising from the contents of the press release. The Union believes that, in a matter of such grave public importance, transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.

According to the police press release, the identity of the highly decomposed body recovered from Dawa Matchakolgre village on July 29, 2025, was established through DNA profiling and other corroborative evidence. However, the release does not explain how a body reportedly recovered just 12 days after the incident of July 18, 2025, had decomposed to such an extent that its identity could only be established through DNA analysis and personal belongings allegedly found on the deceased.

The Union further notes that the press release is silent on several crucial aspects of the forensic investigation, including the exact date and time of death as determined by the post-mortem examination; whether the physical characteristics of the deceased, such as height, age and body structure, corresponded with those of the accused, James R. Sangma; and whether any additional scientific indicators were relied upon to conclusively establish the identity of the recovered body.

The Union also seeks clarification on whether, following the completion of the investigation and the scientific confirmation of the deceased’s identity, the mortal remains were handed over to the family of Late James R. Sangma in accordance with law. If the remains were neither claimed nor released to the family, the Union requests the authorities to clarify the procedure that was subsequently followed. In the Union’s view, this is a significant aspect, particularly in light of the investigating agency’s conclusion regarding the identity of the recovered body.

The GSU is of the considered view that the recovery of personal belongings and the establishment of a biological relationship through DNA profiling, without placing the complete forensic findings and other material particulars in the public domain, leaves room for legitimate questions and concerns. In the interest of justice and public confidence, the Union calls upon the competent authorities to clarify whether all prescribed scientific procedures relating to the collection, preservation and examination of biological samples were strictly followed, and whether any independent expert opinion was obtained to support the conclusions reached by the investigating agency.

The Union also expresses deep concern over the tragic death of the young girl whose loss gave rise to the present case. Beyond the question of the deceased accused’s identity, the public is equally entitled to know whether the police had received any prior information or complaint regarding the incident, whether adequate preventive measures were taken to protect the victim, and whether any lapse or failure on the part of the authorities contributed to the unfortunate outcome.

The GSU believes that any enquiry into the matter must also ascertain whether timely intervention by the authorities could have prevented the loss of an innocent life and, if any negligence or dereliction of duty is established, whether responsibility will be fixed upon the concerned officials in accordance with law.

The Union clarifies that the issues raised herein are neither intended to prejudice the judicial proceedings nor to undermine the investigation conducted by the District Police. Rather, they are raised in the larger public interest and in pursuit of truth, accountability and justice.

As the matter remains sub judice before the competent court, the GSU appeals to the public to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information while simultaneously urging the authorities to place all relevant facts before the Court and the public so that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done.

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