Meghalaya Honeymoon Tragedy: Missing Wife’s Final Message Deepens Mystery
SHILLONG: The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has left authorities grappling with a perplexing case in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district. The newlywed, who was on his honeymoon with his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, was found dead in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2, following the couple’s disappearance on May 23. The ongoing search for Sonam, who remains missing, has been complicated by a haunting voice message she sent to her mother-in-law, adding a chilling layer to the investigation.
The couple, who married on May 11, arrived in Meghalaya on May 20 and checked into a homestay in Nongriat village on May 22. They left the next morning, and their rented scooter was later found abandoned near Sohrarim village. A drone-assisted search led to the discovery of Raja’s semi-decomposed body, identified by a tattoo of his name on his right hand. A bloodstained machete, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered nearby, along with a smashed mobile phone, a woman’s white shirt, a strip of medicine, and a smartwatch.
In the voice message Sonam sounded breathless, mentioning she was trekking to a waterfall and refusing to break her religious fast. The call ended abruptly, marking the last known communication from her. Meghalaya Police, alongside the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, fire and emergency services, dog squads, and local volunteers, have intensified efforts to locate Sonam. A black raincoat was recently found near a viewpoint, but no significant breakthroughs have been reported.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed the case as a homicide, stating, “There is no doubt this was a murder.” The couple’s family, devastated by the loss, has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe, alleging local police have not pursued the case adequately. Raja’s brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, pointed to missing items, including gold rings, a gold chain, and a wallet, suggesting robbery as a possible motive. He expressed suspicions about local hotel staff, guides, and scooter rental operators.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has assured the family of swift action to uncover the truth, stating that authorities are working tirelessly. The family has also called for Army assistance in the search for Sonam. Indore MPs Shankar Lalwani and Sumer Singh Solanki are monitoring the situation, with Lalwani emphasizing the need for justice.
The tragedy has raised concerns about tourist safety in Meghalaya, a popular destination known for its scenic beauty. A similar incident earlier this year involved the death of Hungarian tourist Puskas Zsolt, whose body was found 12 days after he went missing during a trek. As the investigation continues, the fate of Sonam Raghuvanshi remains uncertain, leaving authorities and the couple’s loved ones searching for answers in this harrowing case