Honeymooner Murdered in Meghalaya; Wife Still Missing
Ananya MehtaHoneymooner Raja Raghuvanshi was murdered in Meghalaya; his wife Sonam is still missing, sparking a widespread search and investigation.

The mysterious disappearance of an Indore couple on their honeymoon in Meghalaya has taken a tragic turn.
Raja Raghuvanshi was found murdered, intensifying the search for his missing wife, Sonam. The case has shocked the state and prompted demands for a thorough investigation, with the family suspecting foul play and appealing for a CBI probe to uncover the truth behind this devastating incident.
Top 5 Key Insights:
Confirmed Homicide: Police have confirmed that Raja Raghuvanshi was murdered with a machete ('dao'), dismissing initial speculations of accidental death or suicide. The recovery of the weapon near the body reinforces the homicide conclusion, prompting a full-scale investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. This confirmation has heightened the urgency to locate Sonam and determine if she is also a victim of foul play.
Key Evidence Recovered: Authorities recovered the murder weapon, a 'dao' (machete), and Raja's mobile phone near the gorge where his body was discovered. These items are crucial pieces of evidence that could provide insights into the sequence of events leading to Raja's death and potentially offer clues to Sonam's whereabouts. Forensic analysis of the machete and phone records may reveal critical details about the perpetrators and their motives.
Family Suspects Foul Play: Raja's family believes that it would be nearly impossible for someone unfamiliar with the area to reach the location where Raja's body was found, suggesting a planned attack. They have voiced suspicions about the involvement of locals and allege that some individuals are attempting to mislead investigators. The family's concerns have fueled demands for a more comprehensive investigation, including a CBI probe, to ensure all possible leads are thoroughly examined.
Extensive Search Operations: Search and rescue teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, and a Special Operations Team, are conducting intensive search operations in the vast and treacherous terrain around the gorge. Drones, sniffer dogs, and mountaineers are being deployed to aid the search for Sonam, whose whereabouts remain unknown. The challenging landscape and dense vegetation are complicating search efforts, but authorities remain committed to finding her.
Last Call Hints at Danger: Sonam's last call to her mother-in-law before the couple vanished hinted at potential danger, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. The details of the call are being scrutinized by investigators to determine if they provide any clues about the events leading up to Raja's murder and Sonam's disappearance. This call is a critical piece of information that may shed light on the couple's state of mind and any potential threats they may have faced.
Expert Insight:
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem: "There is no doubt it was a murder. We have recovered a 'dao'. It was new and used for this very purpose."
Vipin Raghuvanshi, Raja's brother: "His body was found 25 km away from where the scooty was left. There's no way this was suicide.
We need justice." Wrap-up:
The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi and the ongoing search for Sonam highlight the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of justice. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety, even in seemingly idyllic locations. The pursuit of truth and the hope for Sonam's safe return remain paramount as investigators work to unravel the mystery surrounding this tragic honeymoon.
Author Bio:
Ananya Mehta has spent 8 years covering political developments, legal reforms, and social movements across India. Her investigative approach brings clarity to complex governance issues affecting citizens.