Indore/Shillong, June 5, 2025 —
A honeymoon trip to Meghalaya took a horrifying turn after the body of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi, a resident of Indore, was discovered in a remote gorge near Weisawdong Falls in the East Khasi Hills district. His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, remains missing, prompting a large-scale search operation.
According to police, the couple had checked out of a guesthouse in Nongriat on May 23 and were reported missing shortly after. On June 2, Raja’s decomposed body was recovered from a deep gorge, with a machete found nearby. Initial reports suggest the machete had been newly purchased and may have been used in the crime.
Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, confirmed that a special investigation team has been constituted to probe the case. Over 50 personnel from local police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are involved in the search for Sonam.
In a development that has added a disturbing twist to the case, an audio recording of Sonam’s last phone call to her mother-in-law has surfaced. In the brief call, Sonam is heard saying she “won’t break her fast.” The family suspects it was a cryptic message indicating distress or danger.
Meanwhile, a stained raincoat suspected to belong to Sonam was recovered from a forested area near Mawkma village on June 4. The garment has been sent for forensic testing to determine if it contains blood or other evidence that could assist in the investigation.
Back in Indore, the victim’s family held a funeral procession marked by posters reading “I did not die, I was killed,” demanding justice and calling for the case to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The family alleges lapses in the investigation and fears for Sonam’s safety.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has expressed condolences to the family and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a thorough investigation. The state government has said it is working closely with central agencies and intensifying the search operations despite challenging terrain and weather.
As the investigation continues, the disappearance of Sonam Raghuvanshi and the brutal murder of her husband remain at the center of growing public concern, with authorities under pressure to bring clarity and justice to the grieving family.
A honeymoon trip that began with dreams of joy and exploration has ended in tragedy, as 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi from Indore was found murdered in the remote hills of Meghalaya. His wife, 27-year-old Sonam, remains missing, sparking a state-wide search and national outrage.
Honeymoon Turns Horror
The couple had arrived in Meghalaya for their honeymoon, last seen checking out from a guest house near Nongriat village on May 23. Days later, when the two stopped responding to calls, their families began to worry. That worry turned to despair on June 2, when Raja’s body was found in a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls in Sohra (Cherrapunjee), his throat reportedly slit and a machete found nearby — a weapon allegedly purchased shortly before the incident.
A Haunting Phone Call
What adds a chilling layer to the case is an audio clip that surfaced from Sonam’s last call to her mother-in-law. In a trembling voice, Sonam is heard saying she “won’t break her fast.” The meaning behind her words remains unclear, but the family believes it was a coded cry for help, possibly indicating fear or coercion in her final moments of contact.
The Search for Sonam
As of today, there has been no trace of Sonam. A raincoat suspected to belong to her was discovered in the forested Mawkma region, stained and weathered. Whether it bears blood or other DNA evidence is yet to be confirmed by forensics. Authorities are now combing through dense terrain using drones and ground personnel, with over 50 members from NDRF, SDRF, and local police joining the effort.
Family Cries for Justice
Back in Indore, grief has turned into anger. Raja’s family, inconsolable at his funeral, displayed banners that read: “I did not die… I was killed.” They have publicly demanded that the investigation be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing dissatisfaction with the pace and transparency of the local probe.
Political and Public Reaction
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has offered his condolences and promised full cooperation in the investigation. However, the case has already sparked larger conversations about the safety of tourists in the Northeast and the need for faster emergency response in remote travel destinations.
What Lies Ahead
As search teams continue to navigate the dangerous landscape of Meghalaya’s rain-soaked hills and thick jungles, questions mount: What happened between May 23 and June 2? Was this a planned crime or a situation that escalated beyond control? And most importantly—where is Sonam?
For now, the only certainty is heartbreak—for a life cut short, and a young woman still lost in the shadows of the hills.
