Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
What was meant to be a romantic escape into the misty hills of Meghalaya has turned into a grim national outcry. A haunting banner now hangs outside the Raghuvanshi household in Indore, a chilling declaration from the soul of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi: “I did not die, I was killed.”
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
Raja and his wife Sonam, married just nine days earlier, had set out on their honeymoon on May 20. But just three days later, the couple mysteriously disappeared near the famous tourist destination of Sohra (Cherrapunji). On June 3, Raja’s decomposed body was found in a gorge, marked with deep wounds believed to have been inflicted by a sharp object, possibly a tree-cutting tool, according to the post-mortem report. His wife Sonam still remains missing.
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
What began as a presumed trekking mishap has spiralled into serious allegations of murder and cover-up, with the grieving family demanding a CBI investigation.
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
“This is no accident. My brother was murdered,” said Sachin Raghuvanshi, Raja’s elder brother, at a press conference in Indore. “I want justice not just for my brother, but for my missing sister-in-law. We need the Army; we need the Centre to act. This is not a local matter anymore.”
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
Suspicion is now swirling around local people, hotel staff, tourist guides, and even the scooter rental service the couple used. “Too many things don’t add up,” Sachin insisted, citing potential evidence of collusion or a cover-up.
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
The family’s frustration is growing, particularly with the pace of the search and the attitude of the authorities. “Police start late and wind up early, even when a young woman is missing,” said Raja’s other brother, Vipin. “Where is the urgency?”
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
Sonam’s brother, Govind, believes she has been abducted and accuses the local administration of treating the case like a body-recovery mission, rather than a rescue operation. “Locals told us not to defame Meghalaya,” Govind said. “Why are they so defensive if they have nothing to hide?”
The backlash has been strong enough to prompt a public response from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who labelled the case “unprecedented” and assured the nation that authorities are doing everything possible. “No stone is being left unturned,” he told the media, noting that over 150 sq km of rugged terrain have been scoured by NDRF, SDRF, and volunteers.
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
Still, the Raghuvanshi family remains unconvinced. They allege a critical delay in police response during the first eight days and claim the search for Sonam lacks urgency.
Indore tourist murdered in Meghalaya
With public sentiment building and #JusticeForRaja beginning to trend, the call for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe grows louder by the day. The haunting words on the banner outside the Indore home say it all, “Raja’s soul calls out… I did not die. I was killed.” And now, nation is listening.
