A dispute with a cafe owner in Shillong might be the key to unraveling the tragic disappearance of an Indore couple, Raja and Sonam Raghuwanshi, whose honeymoon turned into a harrowing nightmare. Raja Raghuwanshi, 28, was found dead in a deep gorge near Weisawdong in Shillong, Meghalaya, on June 2, 2025, and a murder case has been registered following the discovery of assault marks and a weapon near his body. Meanwhile, his wife, Sonam, 25, remains missing, and her family fears she has been abducted.
The couple, residents of Indore, had recently celebrated their wedding on May 11, 2025. With high hopes for their future, they embarked on a honeymoon to the picturesque hills of Meghalaya on May 20. However, their dream vacation quickly took a tragic turn when the couple disappeared on May 23, just days after arriving in Shillong.
As the days passed without news, their families clung to the hope of their safe return. But their worst fears were confirmed on June 2 when Raja’s lifeless body was discovered after an intense 10-day search. Local police, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Special Operations Team (SOT), and local mountaineers, scoured the rugged terrain to find Raja. Drones deployed in the area eventually located his body near the Weisawdong Parking Lot. His relatives identified him through a distinctive tattoo on his arm that read "Raja."
Investigations into the cause of death are underway, with police confirming marks of assault on the body and the presence of a weapon nearby. A post-mortem examination is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The police are exploring all possible angles, including the theory that foul play was involved.
While Raja’s case has brought some closure, Sonam’s whereabouts remain unknown, intensifying suspicions of an abduction. Sonam’s father has alleged that Raja had been receiving threats in Shillong and accused the local police of failing to act quickly enough. He suggested that a dispute over “bad coffee” with a local cafe owner could have sparked a confrontation leading to their disappearance. Reports indicate that Raja’s scooter was found near the cafe, and Sonam’s last known conversation mentioned visiting a waterfall, further complicating the mystery surrounding their sudden vanishing.
The Raghuwanshi family believes Sonam has been abducted and has urgently appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for help in locating her. The family’s pleas have drawn national attention, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident. Authorities are continuing their search for Sonam, combing through dense forests and treacherous gorges, hoping for a breakthrough.
The tragic case has sparked political condolences, with State Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya expressing his sorrow over the loss. He shared on social media, "The tragic demise of Raja Raghuwanshi, a resident of Indore, has deeply saddened me. After his recent marriage, he had gone to Shillong with his wife, Sonam. The news of his death is heart-wrenching. I pray for the soul of the departed and for strength to the grieving family."
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Saturday talked to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and requested for Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the murder case. He also talked to the brother of Sonam Raghuwanshi and assured all possible support.