SIT on the verge of completing cop's death probe

A Reporter

SHILLONG, June 11: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of officer-in-charge of Patharkhmah police outpost P J Marbaniang is on the verge of completing its inquiry. The forensic science laboratory (FSL) report is pending.

It may be recalled that PJ Marbaniang, the officer-in-charge of Patharkhmah outpost in Ri Bhoi district was found dead inside his official quarter on January 24, a day after he detained 32 coal-laden trucks plying illegally on the Patharkhmah route.

"The investigation is nearing completion. The only thing we are waiting for is the forensic science laboratory (FSL) report of his mobile and laptop from Hyderabad," Superintendent of Police (city) Vivek Syiem, who is heading the SIT, said on Thursday.

Syiem also said that the SIT will move the court seeking proper directions will be given to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) at Hyderabad to speed up the report and to submit it at the earliest.

He also informed that they have completed examining of over 90 witnesses including police and villagers in relation to the case.

"This case is like chalk and cheese since there was no witness on the spot where the incident took place so we have to base everything on circumstantial evidence," said Syiem adding that the case is like a jigsaw puzzle and to get a clear picture of what really happened, they have to take statements from a lot of people and then piece things together.

Syiem, however, did not divulge much.

The State government had directed the SIT team to complete the investigation within 30 days which expired on May 4. However, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had sought extension of another 45 days to complete the investigation.