Shillong: A local tourist guide in Meghalaya has come forward with a significant claim in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of honeymooners Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam from Indore.
According to the guide, the couple was accompanied by three unidentified men on the day they vanished from the Sohra (Cherrapunjee) area.
Police confirmed that the guide has officially shared this information with investigators.
The couple was reported missing on May 23, and Raja’s body was discovered in a deep gorge on June 2. The search for Sonam is still underway.
Albert Pde, a guide stationed in Mawlakhiat, said he saw the couple with three male companions around 10 a.m. on May 23.
They were climbing the steep, over-3,000-step trail from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat, a popular but physically demanding trekking route.
“I recognized them immediately,” said Pde. “I had offered my guiding services a day earlier when they were heading down to Nongriat, but they had politely declined and hired someone else.”
According to Pde, the group of four men walked ahead while the woman—presumably Sonam—trailed behind. He noted that the men were speaking in Hindi, though he couldn’t understand the conversation as he primarily speaks Khasi and English.
“When I reached Mawlakhiat later that day, their scooter was no longer parked there,” he added, raising further questions about the couple’s movements.
Meanwhile, Sonam’s brother Govind, who is currently in Shillong, has criticized the Meghalaya government’s efforts in the search.
“They’re searching as if she’s already dead. We strongly believe Sonam is alive,” he said, urging authorities to involve the CBI or other central agencies to step up the investigation.
His comments came even as Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma assured the public that authorities were doing everything possible.
However, adverse weather—including heavy rainfall, thick fog, and treacherous terrain—has significantly hampered rescue efforts.
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“We’re doing our best. Our teams are working tirelessly using all available technology and trained dogs,” said Vivek Syiem, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills. “The search will not stop.”
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that he had spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to request a CBI probe into the disappearance.
Yadav also confirmed that MP Police are coordinating closely with their counterparts in Meghalaya.
