A new revelation has emerged in the case of the newlywed couple Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi from Indore, who went to Meghalaya for their honeymoon. Shillong Police have acquired CCTV footage from May 21, which depicts Raja and Sonam inside a hotel. This footage is considered a crucial link in unraveling this mysterious murder case. While Raja's body was discovered on June 2 near a deep gorge in Sohra (Cherrapunji), his wife Sonam has been missing for 13 days. The family has demanded an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
CCTV footage obtained by Shillong Police shows Raja and Sonam in a Shillong hotel on May 21. This footage captures the couple beginning their honeymoon journey when they arrived in Shillong. The police are trying to trace where Raja and Sonam went next and what happened to them.
Vivek Siem, SP of East Khasi Hills, stated that a thorough examination of the CCTV footage is underway, which could prove vital in solving this murder mystery.
Wedding on May 11, Honeymoon Began on May 20
The couple, from Sahakar Nagar, Indore, tied the knot on May 11 amidst great celebration. Nine days later, on May 20, the couple embarked on their honeymoon to Meghalaya. On May 22, they reached Mawkynrd village on a rented scooter and descended over 3000 steps to visit the famous 'Living Roots' bridge in Nongriat village.
The couple spent the night at Shipara Homestay in Nongriat and left on the morning of May 23. After this, their whereabouts were unknown. On May 24, their scooter was found abandoned outside a café on the Shillong-Sohra road in Sohraim.
Raja's Murder, Sonam Missing
On June 2, Meghalaya Police found Raja's decomposed body in a deep gorge near the Wei-Sawdodong waterfall. Identification was confirmed by the 'Raja' tattoo on his right hand. The postmortem report confirmed Raja's murder with a sharp weapon, likely a 'dao' (a sharp weapon), which the police recovered from the scene. Near the body, a woman’s white t-shirt, Raja’s mobile phone, a strip of medicine, a smartwatch, and a broken mobile screen were found.
Also Read: Raja's 'Last Call' from Meghalaya, where anxious mother in Indore asked - when will you return?
Search teams comprising NDRF, SDRF, and Meghalaya Police are tirelessly searching for Sonam. The operation is hindered by heavy rainfall and dense forests. The family suspects possible abduction because Raja’s gold chain, rings, and wallet are missing, indicating robbery.
This incident has raised questions regarding tourist safety in Meghalaya. Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, emphasized uncovering the truth behind the case, while Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed sorrow and ensured full support in finding Sonam.
