Shillong, June 2, 2025, Virthli: After eight days of intensive search operations, the body of Raja Raghuvanshi (30), one of the two missing tourists from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was recovered from a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls in Meghalaya’s Sohra (Cherrapunji) region on Monday morning. Authorities have confirmed the identity through a distinctive tattoo and family identification. The search for his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi (27), continues.
The couple had arrived in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 during their honeymoon and were last seen checking out of their Nongriat homestay early on May 23, reportedly intending to return to Mawlakhiat. Their rented scooter was found abandoned on May 24 near Sohrarim, triggering a large-scale rescue effort.
A coordinated search involving police, SDRF, Special Operations Team (SOT), drone units from NESAC, and local volunteers was launched on May 28, covering treacherous forested and riverine terrain across Nongriat, Mawsahew, Wahkaliar, and Weisawdong.
The breakthrough came on June 2 at 11:48 AM, when a police drone located a body below the Weisawdong Parking Lot at Riat Arliang. The remains, severely decomposed, were retrieved with difficulty due to steep terrain and later positively identified as Raja Raghuvanshi during a magisterial inquest by Executive Magistrate Adiel R. Kyntan.
Recovered from the scene were several personal items, including a smartwatch, a woman’s white shirt, part of an LCD screen from a mobile phone, and a strip of Pentra 40 medication. The body has been sent to NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, for post-mortem examination.
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In light of the circumstances, East Khasi Hills police have registered a case of suspected murder and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that foul play has not been ruled out and that the SIT would lead a detailed investigation into the couple’s disappearance.
“This is a tragic incident, and we are leaving no stone unturned to uncover the truth,” Syiem said, commending the tireless efforts of the search teams despite adverse weather and topography.
The fate of Sonam Raghuvanshi remains unknown, and search operations are ongoing under challenging conditions. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The couple’s family has announced a ₹5 lakh reward for any credible lead.
The case has drawn national attention, with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma monitoring the situation closely and coordination underway with the Union Home Ministry and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav.
As the investigation deepens and the search for Sonam continues, the incident has left the tourism-friendly hill state grappling with questions of safety, preparedness, and accountability.
