“No Doubt, It’s a Homicide”: Meghalaya Police Confirm Murder of Indore Tourist After Recovering Machete Used as Weapon
Raja Raghuvanshi Murdered and Sonam Raghuvanshi Still Missing : The police have registered a case under charges of murder, common intention, and destruction of evidence.
In a shocking development, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem has confirmed that Indore tourist Raja Raghuvanshi, whose decomposed body was recovered on June 2, was murdered. The revelation came after search teams recovered a machete locally known as a ‘dao’ believed to be the weapon used in the crime.
Speaking to Northeast Live,the leading local channel, SP Vivek Syiem stated, “There is no question about it, it is a case of homicide. The weapon ‘machete’ used to commit the murder has been seized, and we have also recovered the victim’s mobile phone.”
Search and rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and Special Operations Team have scoured the three-layered gorge at Weisawdong Falls. Efforts are currently focused on locating Sonam Raghuvanshi, whose whereabouts remain unknown. “Our priority is to find the female victim. The gorge extends for nearly two kilometers, and we will continue the operation in surrounding areas,” the SP added.
While robbery has not been ruled out as a possible motive, SP Syiem said it is premature to conclude. “We need more evidence before establishing motive. It could be robbery, vendetta, or personal enmity. We are keeping all angles open,” he said.
The police have registered a case under charges of murder, common intention, and destruction of evidence. Authorities await the post-mortem report to determine whether Raja was killed before being thrown into the gorge or if he succumbed to injuries from the fall.
It needs to be mentioned that, Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam, who were visiting Meghalaya for their honeymoon, went missing from Sohra (Cherrapunji) on May 23. The couple had last been seen after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat, accompanied by a local guide. Their abandoned scooty was later found near Sohrarim, triggering a large-scale search operation.
As the mystery deepens and the search for Sonam continues, the incident has raised serious concerns about tourist safety in Meghalaya. The case is being treated with the utmost urgency, and authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to uncover the full truth behind this tragic incident.
“The case is of topmost priority, we have a special investigating team that is investigating the case in a topmost way,” said the SP.
