The body of Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore resident who went missing with his wife Sonam in Meghalaya, has been recovered from a gorge in the Sohra area of East Khasi Hills. The discovery was made on Monday, June 2, 2025, following an extensive eight-day search operation. However, the search for his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, is still ongoing.
The couple had embarked on a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya, a state known for its scenic beauty, after getting married on May 11th and arriving in Meghalaya on May 20th. On May 23, they hired a scooter from Shillong and traveled to Sohra, also known as Cherrapunjee. They were last seen in the Sohra area on May 23. Their phones were switched off, and there had been no trace of them since then.
Rescue teams, utilizing drones, located Raja's body in a decomposed state in a steep gorge near Weisawdong falls. The body was identified by relatives through a distinctive tattoo of his name, "Raja," on his right hand. Authorities also found a woman's white shirt, a strip of Pentra 40, a piece of a mobile phone LCD screen, and a smartwatch at the scene.
The Meghalaya Police have stated that the terrain's steep and inaccessible nature made the recovery operation challenging. The body was taken to the parking lot for a magisterial inquest before being sent to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong for an autopsy.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the couple's disappearance and Raja's death, with no possibilities being ruled out, including foul play. A murder case has been registered, and a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to lead the investigation. The SIT will work to determine the sequence of events leading to Raja's death and to locate Sonam.
The search operation has involved multiple agencies, including the police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), a mountaineering club, and local residents. The focus remains on finding Sonam Raghuvanshi and bringing closure to the family.
Family members have alleged delays and lapses on the part of the Meghalaya authorities in the search efforts. They claim that earlier and more intensive search efforts, including the deployment of drones, could have potentially led to a different outcome.
The recovery of Raja Raghuvanshi's body has brought a somber turn to what was intended to be a joyous honeymoon trip. As the search for Sonam continues, the investigation seeks to uncover the truth behind the couple's disappearance and provide answers to their grieving families.
