The investigation into the disappearance of an Indore couple, Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya has taken a grim turn with the recovery of a suspected murder weapon. Raja Raghuvanshi's body was found in a deep gorge at Weisawdong Falls, and authorities have now confirmed his death as a homicide.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem revealed that a 'dao' (machete), believed to be the weapon used in the murder, has been recovered. According to the SP, the machete appeared new and specifically purchased for the crime. This discovery, along with the recovery of Raja's mobile phone, has led police to register a case of murder and destruction of evidence. The investigation is currently focused on determining the motive behind the killing, with authorities exploring possibilities such as robbery, vendetta, or personal enmity.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by SP (City) Herbert Kharkongor, has been formed to handle this high-priority case. The SIT includes four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and two sub-inspectors. The police are awaiting the post-mortem examination report to determine whether Raja died before or after being thrown into the gorge. This will help ascertain the nature of the injuries and whether they were fatal prior to the fall.
Meanwhile, the search for Raja's wife, Sonam, continues in the areas surrounding Weisawdong Falls. Search and rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Special Operations Team, are scouring the terrain. The gorge extends for nearly two kilometers, making the search operation challenging.
The couple had been missing since May 23, after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat. Their abandoned scooter was later found near Sohrarim, which prompted a large-scale search operation. Raja's body was identified by a tattoo bearing his name. Besides the body, authorities have recovered fragments of a mobile phone, a smartwatch, a woman's white shirt, and medicine strips from the scene, suggesting the couple was together during the incident.
The family of the deceased has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, citing missing valuables such as gold jewelry, a wallet, and Raja's phone. They also pointed out the lack of CCTV coverage in the area where the body was found.
Meghalaya's Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has assured that those involved in the murder will be brought to justice. He stressed that this was an isolated incident and that Meghalaya remains a safe destination for tourists. He also highlighted the launch of tourist buddies to ensure guides are present in all tourist destinations in Sohra.
