Khasi Students’ Union Official Arrested in Connection with Ichamati Murder Cases

Ostarnic Marbaniang, the assistant finance secretary of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), was apprehended from his residence in Jaiaw on April 27, for suspected involvement in the Ichamati murder cases. Marbaniang was escorted to the Sadar police station and subsequently presented before the court, which granted six days of police custody. This arrest marks the fourth KSU member to be detained in connection with the Ichamati murder cases.

Rituraj Ravi, the Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills, confirmed the arrest, stating, “In connection with Shella P.S. Case No. 08(04)2024 and Shella P.S. Case No. 09(04)2024 u/s 302/34 IPC, where Late Ishan Singh and Late Sobir Dutta was murdered in Ichamati, one accused person, Osternic Marbaniang (34) S/O Smt. Tila Marbaniang R/O Jaiaw, Laitdom, Shillong was arrested on 27.04.2024 from Jaiaw.” He also urged the public to maintain peace and order amidst ongoing investigations.

Marbaniang’s arrest follows the earlier apprehension of three KSU activists: Shamborlang Shati, Mesadapbor Skhembil, and Cleanstar Shabong. The victims, Ishan Singh and Sobir Dutta, both employed in limestone quarries, were allegedly brutally assaulted by unidentified assailants on March 27. Their bodies were discovered along a roadside in Ichamati.