Indore Couple Missing: Husband and Wife Gone Missing While on Honeymoon Trip to Shillong; Mother Breaks Down and Shares the Whole Story

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Young Newlywed Couple Goes Missing During Honeymoon Trip to Shillong: A Search Operation Underway

In a distressing incident, a newlywed couple from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has gone missing while on their honeymoon trip in Shillong, Meghalaya. The couple, Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi, were last in contact with their family on May 23, 2025. Since then, no one has been able to reach them, raising alarm among their loved ones and prompting a massive search and rescue operation.

The Background

Raja and Sonam got married on May 11, 2025, and soon after, they left Indore on May 20 to begin their honeymoon journey. Their itinerary included a visit to the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, a revered pilgrimage site, followed by sightseeing in Shillong and its surrounding areas. The couple shared photos from their trip, including moments at the temple and the Shillong airport, with family members. Their spirits were high, and they seemed to be enjoying their trip.

Last Communication and Sudden Silence

The last known communication from the couple was around 1:30 PM on May 23, when they were near a forested area in Shillong. Sonam’s mother spoke to the couple, and they were cheerful, saying they were having juice and bananas and that they would call again shortly. However, shortly after that call, their phone went unreachable. Multiple attempts by family members to contact them since have failed, causing growing worry.

Sonam’s mother, in an emotional statement, shared her anguish, saying she keeps trying to reach her children several times a day but with no success. “I just want my children to be safe,” she said tearfully. The entire family is in shock and disbelief as they await any news.

The Location and Terrain

The area where the couple’s vehicle was found is reportedly a dense, forested region near the outskirts of Shillong, often referred to locally as “Osra Hills,” close to the famous wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji. The terrain is rugged, with valleys, steep slopes, and difficult paths. Local residents and authorities have indicated that this is a sensitive zone with limited accessibility and a history of previous incidents involving missing persons.

The couple was reportedly traveling on an “E-rickshaw” or electric vehicle locally called “Itiba,” which they had rented to explore the area. The vehicle was found abandoned in the forest, with no sign of the couple. Notably, they were not wearing helmets, and no luggage or other belongings were found with the vehicle, intensifying the mystery around their disappearance.

Family and Search Efforts

Concerned family members have rushed to Shillong to join the search. Raja’s brothers, along with Sonam’s brother, have teamed up with local police and other authorities to find any trace of the couple. The search operation involves extensive ground combing of the dense forest and surrounding areas.

Local police have confirmed that the search is ongoing, with efforts supported by the community and other government agencies. The search teams have been exploring valleys, forest paths, and possible routes the couple could have taken. However, progress has been slow due to the difficult terrain and the dense forest cover.

Authorities have also appealed for assistance from the Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF), given their experience and resources in search operations in such challenging landscapes. Cooperation between the local government of Meghalaya and the Madhya Pradesh government has been requested to ensure all necessary help is mobilized swiftly.

Local Concerns and Warnings

Locals have raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the area, especially during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall makes roads slippery and dangerous. Several commenters from Meghalaya and nearby states have warned against using two-wheelers or scooters in such hilly and forested regions, emphasizing that accidents are common due to the weather and terrain.

Many have expressed sympathy for the family and urged tourists to be cautious and avoid venturing into remote or risky areas without proper guidance or support.

Media and Public Reactions

The case has attracted significant media attention across India. News channels and digital platforms have been sharing updates, family interviews, and pleas for information. The public has been actively commenting on social media, offering prayers and support for the couple’s safe return.

While some have criticized the media for insensitive questioning of the distressed family members, most coverage has focused on raising awareness to aid the search. Many netizens have also shared safety tips and urged authorities to expedite rescue efforts.

The Emotional Toll on the Family

The emotional strain on the family is immense. Sonam’s mother is particularly devastated, as she has not been able to reach her daughter or son-in-law despite repeated attempts. The couple had been regular in contacting their family during the trip, which makes the sudden silence even more worrying.

Raja’s brothers have taken the lead in the search operation, navigating unfamiliar terrain and coordinating with local police. They have expressed hope that their siblings are alive and that rescue teams will find them soon.

What’s Next?

The search operation is expected to continue with renewed vigor in the coming days. Authorities are using all available resources, including aerial surveillance if weather permits, ground patrols, and local informants to track any signs of the couple.

Families of missing persons in such remote areas often face challenges due to limited communication networks and difficult access. In this case, the rugged terrain of Meghalaya’s hills further complicates the rescue efforts.

The Madhya Pradesh government has reportedly requested the Meghalaya state government to prioritize this case and provide maximum assistance. There is also a call for involving specialized search and rescue teams that have experience in forested and mountainous regions.

Safety Advice for Travelers

This incident serves as a sobering reminder for travelers to exercise caution, especially when visiting remote or challenging locations. Tourists are advised to:

Inform family members regularly about their whereabouts.

Avoid traveling alone or venturing into unknown, remote areas without local guidance.

Use appropriate vehicles and safety gear, such as helmets when riding two-wheelers.

Pay attention to local weather conditions, especially in hilly or forested areas prone to landslides or heavy rain.

Follow advice from local authorities and experienced guides.

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Conclusion

The disappearance of Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi during what was meant to be a joyful honeymoon trip has shocked their family and community. As the search operation continues in the dense forests of Shillong, hopes remain high for their safe return.

This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of travel in difficult terrain and the importance of preparedness and caution. It also underscores the need for prompt, coordinated response efforts when emergencies occur in remote locations.

As of now, no definitive information has emerged about the couple’s whereabouts. Their family, friends, and the larger community await hopeful news and pray for their well-being.