Tragic Twist: Body of 1 Missing Indore Man Found in 200-Foot Meghalaya Gorge, Search for Wife Enters Day 3
Tragic Honeymoon Turns into Nightmare: Body of Missing Indore Man Found in Meghalaya, Wife Still Untraceable
Indore/Shillong – A honeymoon trip that began with joy has ended in heartbreak and mystery, as the body of 30-year-old Raja Raghuwanshi from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was discovered in a deep gorge in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills. His wife, Sonam Raghuwanshi, remains missing, with no leads even ten days after the couple was last seen.
The newlyweds, who had married on May 11, had embarked on their honeymoon journey to Meghalaya on May 20. According to family members, the couple reached Sohra—also known as Cherrapunji—on May 22 and were last seen on May 23. Sohra is a picturesque and popular tourist destination known for its lush green valleys and cascading waterfalls, but also for its difficult terrain and unpredictable weather.
Body Identified, Search for Sonam Continues
Raja’s body was recovered on Monday from a gorge in the East Khasi Hills by local authorities. The body was later identified by Raja’s brother, Vipin Raghuwanshi, who had traveled from Indore after receiving news of the couple’s disappearance. The confirmation came amidst growing concerns about the safety and whereabouts of Sonam, whose location remains unknown.
“We have not recovered any trace of the woman yet,” said Rajesh Kumar Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Prevention Branch), Indore. “The circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death remain unclear. We are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death.”
Tripathi noted that the case is being pursued both by Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh police forces, with inputs from the families involved. The case has sparked serious questions about tourist safety, local law enforcement capabilities, and possible criminal involvement.
Timeline of Events: Honeymoon to Horror
The couple’s disappearance was first reported by family members after repeated calls to Raja and Sonam went unanswered. The two were reportedly last seen at a hotel in Sohra, and were believed to have gone sightseeing on May 23. According to Sachin Raghuwanshi, another brother of the deceased, the couple had rented a two-wheeler from a local shop and may have been accompanied by a local guide.
When contact could not be established, and all efforts to trace them through local hotel staff and vehicle rental operators failed, the family grew increasingly suspicious. “There is a possibility of kidnapping. We suspect foul play,” Sachin said while speaking to reporters in Indore. “We even urged authorities to deploy army personnel for the search.”
Suspicion Cast on Local Operators
Sachin also raised concerns about the conduct of hotel staff, local guides, and those renting out scooters and bikes to tourists in the region. He alleged that these individuals may be part of a coordinated group that could be involved in illicit activities targeting tourists, especially couples. While these claims are yet to be substantiated with evidence, police have not ruled out the possibility of criminal involvement.
Local law enforcement in Meghalaya, however, has remained cautious in issuing definitive statements. “As of now, we are treating it as a missing persons case coupled with an accidental death,” a senior East Khasi Hills police official stated. “We have not ruled out any angles, including foul play. We are investigating the matter with all seriousness.”
Post-Mortem Awaited, Criminal Angle Not Ruled Out
A formal post-mortem examination was conducted at a local government hospital, and officials expect that the results will provide more clarity on whether Raja’s death was accidental, self-inflicted, or criminal in nature. Sources close to the investigation revealed that there were no immediate signs of struggle on the body, but noted that the gorge in which it was found is known to be hazardous, particularly during rainy conditions.
The family, however, continues to press for a deeper probe. “Raja was physically fit, mentally stable, and excited about the trip. There was no reason for him to end up dead in a gorge unless someone pushed him,” Sachin said.
A Happy Beginning Shattered
Raja and Sonam had been married just 12 days before their disappearance. According to relatives, the couple was overjoyed at beginning their new life together and had planned the Northeast India honeymoon as a special getaway. Raja, a member of a family-run transport business in Indore, had made all travel arrangements with care and enthusiasm. Sonam, a homemaker, had looked forward to the serene hills and vibrant landscapes of Meghalaya.
“They were a young, loving couple with their whole life ahead of them,” said a tearful neighbor in Indore. “This tragedy is unbearable.”
The last known location of the couple was near a waterfall trail often frequented by tourists. The trail is known for its beautiful yet slippery paths, which become treacherous during rain.
Local Tourism Safety Under Scrutiny
This incident has renewed concerns about tourist safety in Meghalaya and other hilly regions in India. While Sohra and other areas in the Northeast draw thousands of visitors annually, infrastructure and emergency response systems often lag behind.
Questions are now being raised about whether proper safety briefings are given to tourists before they venture into potentially hazardous zones. Additionally, the vetting process for local guides and operators has come under scrutiny.
“We need stricter controls over who is allowed to rent out vehicles and who is permitted to guide tourists,” said a Meghalaya-based travel industry professional. “There is no structured licensing or tracking system in place right now.”
The incident may now prompt local governments in Meghalaya and across Northeast India to implement reforms in tourist safety regulations.
Search Teams Continue Efforts
Local police and search teams, assisted by local volunteers and Meghalaya’s disaster response units, continue to comb the area for any signs of Sonam. Drone surveillance and tracker dogs have been deployed, but so far, there has been no breakthrough.
“We are not giving up,” said a senior police officer. “We are intensifying our search and exploring new locations. Every hour is critical.”
Meanwhile, the grief-stricken Raghuwanshi family has appealed to the government for urgent assistance and a more coordinated national-level search operation. Several political leaders from Madhya Pradesh have also urged the Home Ministry to intervene and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the investigation.
Past Incidents Add to Worry
This is not the first time tourists have gone missing or met with accidents in remote parts of Meghalaya. In previous years, incidents involving poor signage, lack of safety railings, and failure to warn tourists of treacherous paths have been reported. However, very few cases result in substantive policy changes or safety upgrades.
In Raja and Sonam’s case, the fact that they were newlyweds, traveling to a scenic but under-regulated location, has sparked widespread media and public attention. Citizens across India have taken to social media to demand justice for the couple, and #JusticeForRajaAndSonam was trending on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning.
Police Response and Next Steps
As the search continues, Meghalaya Police has announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe all angles—including potential criminal involvement, tourist safety negligence, and local operator accountability.
Back in Indore, relatives of the couple are now preparing to cremate Raja’s remains after post-mortem formalities are completed. But for Sonam’s family, the agony continues.
“We just want our daughter back,” said her father in an emotional appeal. “Whether alive or dead, we need closure.”
A Call for Reform
This heartbreaking incident serves as a wake-up call not only for law enforcement and tourism departments but also for travelers and their families. Greater awareness, stronger regulation, and more proactive governance are required to ensure that what should be cherished memories do not turn into lifetime traumas.
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