Daijiworld Media Network- Shillong
Shillong, Jun 3: What began as a dream honeymoon for a young couple from Indore has turned into a haunting mystery in Meghalaya’s lush green hills. Eleven days after their sudden disappearance, the body of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi was tragically recovered on Monday from a deep gorge near the Weisawdong Parking Lot at Riat Arliang in the East Khasi Hills. His wife, 27-year-old Sonam Raghuvanshi, remains untraceable, intensifying concerns over her safety.
According to police officials, the newlywed couple from Indore had arrived in Meghalaya on May 20 to explore the scenic Sohra-Cherrapunji region, a popular tourist destination in the Northeast. They were last seen on May 23 after renting a two-wheeler to explore the picturesque terrain. The abandoned vehicle was later found near Sohra Rim, around 15 kilometres from Sohra town.
A relentless search operation involving Meghalaya Police, SDRF, and members of the West Jaintia Hills District Adventure Mountaineering Club led to the grim discovery. The breakthrough came when a drone deployed by the search team spotted a lifeless body deep in the gorge. The remains were later identified as Raja Raghuvanshi's, based on a distinctive tattoo on his right hand that read ‘Raja’.
Personal items recovered from the site included a white lady's shirt, a strip of Pentra 40, parts of an LCD screen from a Vivo smartphone, and a smartwatch that was still on Raja’s wrist. The body has since been sent to NEIGRIHMS Hospital in Shillong for a detailed post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death.
With the wife still missing and no clear leads, authorities are treating the incident with utmost seriousness. A case of murder is being registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is being constituted to probe the mysterious circumstances. Police officials stated that no possibility, including foul play, has been ruled out at this stage.
The incident has drawn national attention. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs have been in direct contact with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Expressing deep concern, CM Sangma assured that he is personally monitoring the situation. “We treat tourists as our own family members. The local people of Sohra-Cherrapunji have joined hands with the authorities in the ongoing search operation,” he said.
MPs Shankar Lalwani and Sumer Singh Solanki from Madhya Pradesh also visited Meghalaya and held key meetings with Director General of Police I. Nongrang and Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang to assess the progress of the search.
As the region grapples with heavy rains and treacherous terrain, search teams continue their operations, holding on to hope for Sonam’s safe return. The nation waits with bated breath as investigators work tirelessly to unravel the truth behind this heartbreaking tragedy.