East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the accused, identified as Kenedy Khongsit, was taken into custody following sustained investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The victim, an orphan, had gone missing from his residence at Lum Marboh in Nongrah under Rynjah police station limits on October 8 last year.

His disappearance triggered an extensive search involving both police personnel and local residents.

The next morning, the child's body was discovered by the roadside at Matngen, Mawpat, and was later identified by family members.

A case was registered at Rynjah police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

A post-mortem conducted at NEIGRIHMS confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to smothering.

Given the seriousness of the crime, an SIT led by the SP was constituted on October 9, 2025.

Investigators examined several individuals and sent forensic samples to CFSL Guwahati and FSL Shillong, but initially failed to establish a clear motive or gather conclusive evidence.

Police said a breakthrough came after the SIT zeroed in on Khongsit, who lived next door to the victim.

During preliminary interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crime.

According to investigators, the child had gone to the accused's house to watch television on the afternoon of the incident.

The accused reportedly asked the boy to fetch a brush and bucket while cleaning a water tank.

When the child refused, he allegedly smothered him in a fit of rage. Police said the body was initially concealed in a water tank before being moved to the backyard.

The accused is also alleged to have packed the body in a plastic sack and transported it on a scooter before dumping it by the roadside between 4:15 pm and 4:50 pm.

He then returned home shortly after.

Police said the accused will be produced before a court, and his custody will be sought for further investigation.