NONGPOH:
A man was burnt to death after a hut he was in caught fire at Sohlait Thymmai in Ri Bhoi district.
Identified as Braveman Khongjoh of Mawpdang Saiden, he is said to have been working at the farm where his family has been growing betel leaf for over four years.
As per his father, Ale Khongjoh, the deceased, who is said to be in his mid 20s, had gone to the farm on December 17 and was supposed to come back on Sunday. When he did not return, the family members tried to contact him, but his mobile phone was switched off. The family went to the farm to look for him but instead found the hut had burnt down to the ground and that Braveman had also perished in the fire.
When they saw what had happened, the family members immediately informed the owners of the farm and the dorbar of Sohlait Thymmai, and they along with the police reached the spot.
The reason for the fire could not be ascertained immediately, but according to those present, they suspect that the house had caught fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, as nothing but bones are left of the deceased.
The family members do not suspect any foul play either, as they say that the deceased had been suffering from epilepsy, which, according to them, could have led to the incident.
The police have taken his remains for post-mortem.