The tragic case of a missing couple from Indore in Meghalaya has left the state in shock, prompting Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to promise decisive action against those responsible. While the body of Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, was discovered in a gorge 20 km from Nongriat village, the search for his wife, Sonam, is still underway. The couple had vanished on May 23 after checking out of a homestay, and the mystery surrounding the case has drawn national attention and demands for a CBI probe.
State Government’s Assurance and Investigation Approach
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured that his government would leave “no stone unturned” to bring the perpetrators to justice. Addressing the media, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. Responding to calls for a CBI investigation, he said the government is open to taking appropriate decisions once more facts come to light. “There are still many missing links. We need to get to the bottom of this before determining the next course of action,” Conrad K Sangma stated.
He emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to locate Sonam Raghuvanshi and assured the family that all necessary resources were being deployed for the search. The chief minister described the case as unprecedented in Meghalaya and one that has caused deep concern among both locals and the tourism community.
Tourism Impact and Community Shock
The Raghuvanshis had arrived in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 and rented a scooter to travel to Nongriat village, famed for its living root bridges. After trekking 3,000 steps down into the valley, they stayed at a local homestay and checked out the next morning. Their scooter was later found abandoned at a roadside café on May 24.
The incident has deeply unsettled Meghalaya, a state known for its peaceful environment and warm hospitality. “This is something no one expected. We’ve had lakhs of tourists over the years and ensured their safety,” Conrad K Sangma remarked, adding that this isolated event should not undermine the state’s record of being tourist-friendly.
While investigators continue to piece together the timeline and motive, Conrad K Sangma said the government is working “overtime” to understand what truly happened. He acknowledged the family’s pain and pledged transparency and urgency in solving the case.
