Last Updated:
Police said a murder case has been registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now handling the case
The couple, who were on their honeymoon, went missing on 23 May shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village.
Eight days after a newlywed couple from Indore was reported missing in Meghalaya, the semi-decomposed body of the man was found in a deep gorge near a waterfall in the Sohra area of the state’s East Khasi Hills district on Monday.
Police confirmed that the body of Raja Raghuvanshi, 30, had been recovered. However, the search for his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, 27, is still ongoing.
The couple, who were on their honeymoon, went missing on 23 May shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village — around 20 kilometres from where Raja’s body was found.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said a murder case has been registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now leading the probe. He also pointed to suspicious circumstances and evidence indicating possible foul play.
Speaking to CNN-News18, Syiem said, “We are investigating with an open mind, and all possibilities, including honour killing, are being explored.”
Police said evidence recovered at the scene, including a woman’s white shirt, a broken mobile phone screen, and a strip of Pentra 40 medication (used for acidity), suggested possible violence or abduction. Raja’s smartwatch was still strapped to his wrist when the body was found.
Raja’s semi-decomposed body was discovered at the bottom of a deep gorge below the Weisawdong Waterfall parking area at Riat Arliang. Raja’s body was identified by his relatives through a distinctive tattoo on his right hand that read “Raja.”
The body has been sent to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
The couple, Raja, a transport businessman, and Sonam, had travelled to the rain-soaked hills of Sohra (Cherrapunji) for their honeymoon. They arrived at Mawlakhiat village on 22 May on a rented scooter. After parking it, they trekked down 3,000 steps to visit the famous living root bridges in Nongriat village, where they stayed the night.
The following morning, they left the homestay, but there was no contact from them afterwards. On 24 May, their abandoned scooter was found at a café on the road between Shillong and Sohra. Police were alerted, and a search operation began with help from local villagers.
Raja’s brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, accused local hotel staff, tourist guides, and scooter rental operators of possible involvement. The family also criticised Meghalaya Police for a delayed action.
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
- First Published:
