The father of an Indore bride, who remains missing after a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya, has hung a photo of her upside down outside his home, in a desperate plea for justice and a thorough investigation into the events surrounding his daughter's disappearance and the death of her husband. The symbolic act underscores the family's grief and their belief that foul play was involved.
Sonam Raghuvanshi and her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, both from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, went missing on May 23, 2025, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The couple had arrived in Meghalaya on May 20, after getting married on May 11, and were last seen in Sohra, also known as Cherrapunji. Following their disappearance, Raja's body was discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls. The search for Sonam continues, but rescue officials have described the terrain as extremely challenging.
The family's distress is palpable. Following the recovery of Raja's body, which was brought back to Indore on Wednesday evening, his father collapsed in grief. A large poster now stands outside the Raghuvanshi residence, featuring photos of the couple and a message from Raja's "soul" appealing to the central and state governments, asserting that he was murdered and demanding a CBI investigation. Vipin Raghuvanshi, Raja's brother, has stated that his brother's body was found approximately 25 kilometers from their scooter, suggesting he was kidnapped and taken to the area.
The family's call for a CBI investigation reflects their dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation by Meghalaya authorities. They allege that the local police have not been diligent enough, citing instances where they believe crucial evidence was overlooked. Vipin Raghuvanshi claims the police said they had searched the area where Raja's body was found twice, but the family says they were not being truthful. He also voiced concerns about the safety of Sonam, suggesting she may have been abducted.
The Meghalaya government has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has described the incident as "unprecedented" and assured the family that authorities are working "overtime" to uncover the truth. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has urged the public not to jump to conclusions and has stated that Meghalaya remains a safe destination for tourists. He called the incident “unprecedented and shocking,” and said the “full picture has yet to emerge”.
The investigation has so far revealed that on May 22, Raja and Sonam arrived at Mawlakhiat village on a rented scooter and hired a local guide who took them to Shipara Homestay at Nongriat village. They spent the night there, checked out the next morning, and returned to Mawlakhiat village without the guide. Their whereabouts after leaving Mawlakhiat remained unknown until Raja's body was discovered.
Adding to the complexity of the case, rescue workers searching for Sonam found a black raincoat with stains. The significance of the stains is still under investigation. The family has offered a reward of ₹5 lakh for information regarding the couple's whereabouts.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, the family's emotional plea for a thorough and impartial inquiry underscores the need for swift justice and the safe return of Sonam. The upside-down photo serves as a stark reminder of their anguish and their unwavering determination to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
