The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), upon receiving the grievous news of the untimely demise of a four year old child at Nongrah, East Khasi Hills immediately reached out to the family. The Commission was present with the bereaved household throughout the day, offering its support in their hour of sorrow, and also ensured that the necessary official formalities at NEIGRIHMS, including the autopsy, were duly undertaken while closely reviewing the matter.

The MSCPCR firmly reiterates that the loss of any life is a matter of deep anguish – far more so when it is the life of a child, whose innocence and future are so abruptly taken away. The Commission conveys its profound condolences to the grieving family and stands in solidarity with them in this most difficult time.

At this juncture, the Commission also deems it imperative to remind the public that the circulation of videos or images of children in distressing circumstances on social media is not only highly insensitive and unethical but also constitutes a violation of the law. Such acts fall within the purview of the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA) and attract strict penal consequences, including imprisonment.

The MSCPCR has further impressed upon the Police and all investigative agencies the urgent need to expedite the probe into this gruesome incident. Swift and thorough investigation is vital, not only for justice to be delivered but also to provide the bereaved family some measure of closure from this painful and tragic episode.