Indore: Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava expressed regret on Wednesday if public outrage over the murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya had negatively impacted the northeastern state’s image or its tourism sector.
Speaking to reporters, Bhargava described the incident as unfortunate and emphasised that the Northeast remains a safe destination for tourists.
The case involves Raghuvanshi’s wife, Sonam (25), who, along with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha (20), is accused of orchestrating the murder.
According to Meghalaya Police, the duo hired three hitmen to carry out the crime.
The couple, who married on May 11 in Indore, disappeared on May 23 during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.
Raghuvanshi’s body was discovered in a gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunji) on June 2.
Sonam and her accomplices were arrested from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the murder.
The disappearance and subsequent murder sparked strong reactions in Indore, with many questioning the safety of tourists in Meghalaya and the efficiency of the state police.
Addressing these concerns, Bhargava remarked, “If the image or tourism of Meghalaya or any other northeastern area has been affected, I deeply regret it.”
Bhargava commended the Meghalaya Police for their swift action in solving the case.
“The police acted promptly and resolved the matter within days, and we are grateful for their efforts,” he said.
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Drawing from his own experience of living in the Northeast, the mayor reiterated that the region is safe for tourists.
He urged people to ensure Meghalaya’s tourism remains unaffected by such isolated incidents.
“This tragic case should not be used to tarnish any specific place. It is a matter of introspection for us as a society,” Bhargava said.
He added that efforts will be made to engage with the local community through awareness programs to discourage the blind adoption of certain external cultural influences and prevent similar incidents in the future.
