Shillong, July 20 -- The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) on Saturday took suo motu cognisance of the brutal murder of a 19-year-old girl at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills, expressing profound shock and condemnation.

On Friday, the teenage schoolgirl was fatally attacked by a man with a machete in broad daylight at Samgong village near Williamnagar in full public view.

Police said the accused person James R Sangma was supposedly in a relationship with the victim.

In a strong statement, the MSCW characterized the incident as a "gross violation of the basic rights and dignity of a young woman."

The commission extended its heartfelt condolences to the victim's family, stating it was "deeply disturbed by the suffering endured ...