Indore Couple Missing in Meghalaya: Several ‘Suspicious’ Items Found Near Raja’s Body, SIT to Investigate

.

.

Tragic Discovery of Raja Raghuvanshi’s Body in Shillong; Search Continues for Missing Wife Sonam Raghuvanshi

Indore, Madhya Pradesh – A chilling development has unfolded in the case of the missing newlywed couple from Indore, Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, who disappeared while on their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The body of Raja Raghuvanshi was recovered from a deep gorge in the East Khasi Hills district near Sohra (also known as Cherrapunji), while the search for his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, continues amid growing concerns for her safety.

The Incident and Search Efforts

The couple, residents of Indore, had traveled to Guwahati and subsequently to the scenic Osara Hills near Shillong to celebrate their honeymoon. They were last reported missing on May 23. The family lost contact with them and reported the case to the police on May 24. Following the distress call, the Indore police coordinated with authorities in Shillong, initiating a search operation involving multiple agencies.

The Search and Rescue operations have been spearheaded by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Special Operations Team (SOT), and the West Jaintia Hills District Adventure Mountaineering Club. However, the rugged terrain of the Khasi Hills, combined with inclement weather and difficult-to-navigate steep slopes and dense forests, has posed significant challenges to the search teams.

Discovery of the Body

After eight intense days of continuous search, the grim discovery was made near Vaisai Dong, a location characterized by a deep ravine amidst the mountainous terrain. A police drone detected the body around 11:48 AM beneath the parking area in Riyad Arliang, deep within a difficult-to-access gorge. Retrieval teams worked painstakingly for hours and finally extracted the body between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM.

Upon identification, the body was confirmed to be that of Raja Raghuvanshi by his family members. Notable identification markers included a tattoo of his name on his right hand. In addition, several personal belongings were recovered from the site, including a white shirt and pants belonging to a woman, a bandage marked ‘Patra 40’, a fragment of a mobile phone LED screen, and a smartwatch on the wrist of the deceased. All these items have been seized by the police as part of the investigation.

The body has since been sent to Shillong for post-mortem examination, which is expected to shed light on the cause of death.

Police Investigation and Suspicion of Foul Play

The police are treating the case with utmost seriousness, considering the circumstances suspicious. The Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills, Vivek Singh, indicated that the possibility of any untoward incident cannot be ruled out. Consequently, a case of suspicious death and murder has been registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is being formed to conduct an in-depth probe.

Additional administrative officials, including Mark A. Chalm, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sohra, confirmed the recovery of the body and the ongoing efforts to locate Sonam Raghuvanshi. Authorities have emphasized the need to continue the search despite the difficulties presented by the challenging geography and weather.

Ongoing Search for Sonam Raghuvanshi

While Raja’s body has been found, there is no trace yet of Sonam Raghuvanshi. The search operations remain active, with authorities calling for intensified efforts, including possible involvement of the Army or other specialized trained teams to aid in the search. Family members have also requested a broader search covering remote villages located below the ravine, in case Sonam managed to reach there.

The local administration and police have yet to establish contact with these villages, which adds to the urgency and complexity of the situation.

Reaction and Statements from Officials and Family

The incident has deeply shocked the local community and beyond. Kailash Vijayvargiya, a cabinet minister of Madhya Pradesh, expressed his condolences in a statement describing the news as extremely painful and heart-wrenching. He noted that Raja and his wife had traveled to Osara Hills in Shillong for their honeymoon and that Raja’s tragic death has brought immense grief to his family.

Vijayvargiya prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace and wished strength for the grieving family to bear this unbearable loss.

The family of the couple is anxiously awaiting updates on Sonam’s whereabouts while mourning Raja’s loss. The police have assured them that all efforts are being made to solve the mystery and find Sonam.

Background and Timeline of Events

Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, young newlyweds from Indore, had embarked on their honeymoon trip to Guwahati on May 20. They then proceeded to Shillong to visit the Osara Hills, a popular tourist spot known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails.

The last communication from Sonam to her mother-in-law was an audio conversation revealing their plans and current condition. In that conversation, Sonam mentioned the difficult trek they were undertaking and their efforts to manage with limited supplies. This final communication, now viral, adds a poignant dimension to the unfolding tragedy.

After May 23, the couple went off the radar, prompting a frantic search by their family and authorities.

Challenges in the Search Operation

The search teams face considerable obstacles. The East Khasi Hills region is marked by steep cliffs, dense forests, and often unpredictable weather. These conditions make ground search operations dangerous and slow.

Despite the difficulties, the police and rescue teams have utilized drones and other technology to cover inaccessible areas. The ongoing search for Sonam is complicated further by the fact that she may have moved into remote villages or rugged terrain away from main search zones.

Police Course of Action

Given the suspicious nature of the circumstances and the discovery of several personal items at the site, police have escalated the investigation by registering a murder case. The formation of a Special Investigation Team indicates the seriousness with which authorities are pursuing the case.

The SIT is expected to probe all angles — from accidental death to potential foul play — while also tracking the missing woman.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The news has sparked widespread discussion and sympathy on social media. Many have expressed sorrow over Raja’s untimely death and concern for Sonam’s safety. The viral audio of Sonam’s last conversation has added emotional weight to the story, revealing the human side of the couple’s ordeal.

PLAY VIDEO:

Conclusion and Outlook

As the investigation deepens, all eyes remain on the developments in Shillong. The tragic loss of Raja Raghuvanshi is a somber reminder of the risks involved in trekking and travel in difficult terrains, while the fate of Sonam Raghuvanshi remains unknown.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward to aid the search and investigation. The local police, aided by special teams, remain committed to bringing clarity to this heartbreaking case.

Meanwhile, the family and the people of Indore and beyond await hopeful news of Sonam’s safe return.