Indore Couple's Honeymoon Turns Tragic: Raja Raghuvanshi Found Dead in Meghalaya, Search for Wife Continues
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Eight days after an Indore couple went missing in Meghalaya, the body of Raja Raghuvanshi, 30, was discovered in a gorge near a Sohra waterfall in the East Khasi Hills on Monday, while the search continues for his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, 27, prompting a murder investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) due to suspicious circumstances surrounding their disappearance after leaving a Nongriat village homestay on May 23.
Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi, a newlywed couple from Indore, were reported missing in Meghalaya. Raja's semi-decomposed body was found in a deep gorge. The discovery was made near a waterfall in the Sohra area of the state’s East Khasi Hills district.
Police confirmed the body recovered was that of Raja Raghuvanshi. The search for his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, is still ongoing.
The couple was on their honeymoon when they went missing on May 23. They disappeared shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Nongriat village is approximately 20 kilometers from where Raja’s body was found.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem stated that a murder case has been registered. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now leading the probe. Syiem also noted 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.”
Evidence recovered at the scene included a woman’s white shirt, a broken mobile phone screen, and a strip of Pentra 40 medication. Pentra 40 is used for acidity. Police said these items 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. The tattoo 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. The post-mortem aims 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 May 22 on a rented scooter. After parking the scooter, they trekked down 3,000 steps to visit the famous living root bridges in Nongriat village. They stayed the night in Nongriat village.
The following morning, they left the homestay. There was no contact from them afterwards. On May 24, 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.
Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi, a newlywed couple from Indore, were reported missing in Meghalaya. Raja's semi-decomposed body was found in a deep gorge. The discovery was made near a waterfall in the Sohra area of the state’s East Khasi Hills district.
Police confirmed the body recovered was that of Raja Raghuvanshi. The search for his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, is still ongoing.
The couple was on their honeymoon when they went missing on May 23. They disappeared shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Nongriat village is approximately 20 kilometers from where Raja’s body was found.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem stated that a murder case has been registered. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now leading the probe. Syiem also noted 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.”
Evidence recovered at the scene included a woman’s white shirt, a broken mobile phone screen, and a strip of Pentra 40 medication. Pentra 40 is used for acidity. Police said these items 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. The tattoo 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. The post-mortem aims 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 May 22 on a rented scooter. After parking the scooter, they trekked down 3,000 steps to visit the famous living root bridges in Nongriat village. They stayed the night in Nongriat village.
The following morning, they left the homestay. There was no contact from them afterwards. On May 24, 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.
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