A newlywed couple from Indore, has gone missing while on their honeymoon in Meghalaya, triggering a large-scale search operation across the East Khasi Hills district. This marks the second case of tourist disappearance in the region since April.
The missing couple has been identified as Raja Raghuvanshi, a transport businessman, and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi. They were last seen on May 23 after renting a two-wheeler to travel from Shillong to Sohra (Cherrapunji), a popular tourist destination located about 60 km away. The next day, their rented Activa scooter was discovered abandoned near Sohrarim village, along a well-known scenic route.
The couple had tied the knot in a grand ceremony on May 11 and began their honeymoon trip on May 20, first visiting the Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati before arriving in Shillong. Their last known conversation with family members took place on May 23.
"I spoke to them that day. They told me about their meals and travel plans," said Raja’s mother, Reena Raghuvanshi. “Since then, their phones have been switched off. We have had no contact.” The couple’s phones went silent on May 24, raising alarm among family members.
Initially attributing the lack of contact to poor network coverage, Raja’s brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, filed a missing persons complaint after all efforts to reach the couple failed. A joint search operation was subsequently launched, involving local police, forest personnel, and family members who have flown in from Indore.
Police teams are currently scouring forest trails, cliffs, and remote tracks in and around Sohra. "The terrain is beautiful but treacherous—dense forests, slippery slopes, and deep gorges complicate rescue operations," said a Sohra-based police officer.
The couple’s last location was traced to Osra Hill in Shillong, a sensitive area where their scooter was recovered near a ditch. Investigators are probing a nearby resort reportedly associated with criminal activity, though it is yet to be confirmed whether the couple stayed there.
Govind, Sonam’s brother, used Google Maps and photos from the couple’s journey to assist in identifying possible locations. He also contacted the scooter rental agency, which confirmed the booking and noted that the couple had headed toward Osra Hill.
After the incident came to fore, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister brought this in the knowledge of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and then a massive hunt for their search has been launched. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav talke4d cto his counterpaprt in Meghalaya over phone.
Back in Indore, Police Commissioner Santosh Singh has directed DCP Crime Branch Rajesh Kumar Tripathi to liaise with Meghalaya Police. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Tulsiram Silawat has spoken to the Raghuvanshi family, assuring them of full support from the state government.
The case has sparked concern due to its similarity with the recent disappearance of Hungarian tourist Puskas Zsolt, who was found dead 12 days after going missing in the same district. Authorities had ruled out foul play in that case, attributing the death to an accidental fall.
Following Zsolt’s incident, the East Khasi Hills administration had issued a tourist safety advisory, cautioning travelers against venturing alone into forests or remote areas without certified local guides.
As the search intensifies, family members remain hopeful for a breakthrough. The local administration has urged residents and tourists to come forward with any information that may assist in tracing the couple.