News Brief
Meghalaya Honeymoon Tragedy: Four Arrested, Wife Surrenders As Police Unravel Cherrapunji Murder Case
The Meghalaya honeymoon tragedy had sparked fears over safety of tourists
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of newlywed couple Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi from Indore, who vanished during their honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunji) on 23 May, has taken a grim turn.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also oversees the Home (Police) portfolio, confirmed on Monday (9 June) the arrest of four individuals and the surrender of Sonam Raghuvanshi in Uttar Pradesh.
The body of Raja Raghuvanshi was recovered days after the couple was reported missing, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Four men have been arrested in connection with the case: Akash Rajput (19) from Laddpur, UP; Vishal Singh Chauhan (22) from Indore, MP; Raj Singh Kushwaha (21); and Anand Kushwaha (23) from Satna, MP.
Sonam, considered a prime suspect, surrendered at Nanganj Police Station in Ghazipur and remains in UP Police custody.
Investigators believe the crime was premeditated, with Sonam possibly linked to Raj Kushwaha, thought to be a former partner.
This revelation was made by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. He further said that the police's operation is still underway to catch one more assailant.
In a social media post on X, Chief Minister Sangma wrote, "Within 7 days, a breakthrough has been achieved by the #meghalayapolice in the Raja murder case ... 3 assailants who are from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, a female has also surrendered and operation still on to catch 1 more assailant... "
The state is now enhancing tourist safety protocols, mandating digital guest registration via a new Tourism Department app.
