Shillong: A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district to locate an Indore-based couple who went missing last week, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam were last seen on May 23 after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village.
According to officials, the couple then set out for Mawlakhait village without a local guide—a decision that may have complicated the search effort. Their mobile phones were last traced to the vicinity of Mawlakhait.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem stated that more than 50 personnel, divided into multiple teams, along with local villagers and members of the Village Defence Party, have joined the effort to trace the missing pair.
A two-wheeler rented by the couple was discovered abandoned in Sohrarim village on the same day they were last seen, prompting villagers to alert the authorities.
Police investigations revealed the couple had earlier visited the famous living root bridges in Nongriat with a tourist guide and stayed overnight before continuing on their own.
Search operations are being paused at nightfall and will resume with increased manpower in the morning, Syiem added.
The incident echoes a similar case from earlier this year, when a Hungarian tourist went missing during a solo trek to the same root bridge site.
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He was found dead nearly two weeks later, with medical reports attributing his death to a fall.
While no foul play was suspected, the tragedy led state authorities to issue advisories urging tourists to always travel with licensed local guides, especially in remote or rugged areas.
Authorities remain hopeful for a positive outcome and continue to coordinate closely with local residents and volunteers in the search effort.
