Nongpoh, Aug 13: A 27-year-old man from Nongkyndang Saiden, identified as Wanphrangsngi Syiemlieh, is missing after allegedly jumping into the Umtrew River in Byrnihat while fleeing from a group of drug users.

Police said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 5 p.m.

According to family members, they received a call informing them about the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that Syiemlieh and a group of known drug users had earlier sold a stolen mobile phone and shared the proceeds. A dispute broke out when Syiemlieh was found to have ₹300 more than the others.

The gang allegedly chased him, prompting him to leap into the river to escape. Witnesses claim the group also threw stones at him before he disappeared underwater.

Byrnihat Outpost police were immediately alerted, and a search operation was launched with assistance from the State Response Team (SRT) divers and Fire and Emergency Service personnel from Nongpoh and Shillong. However, heavy rainfall and high water levels in the Byrnihat River have hampered recovery efforts.

As of this report, Syiemlieh’s body has not been found and search operations are continuing with the support of his family members.

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