In a major breakthrough in the mysterious case of the Indore couple missing during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. On June 2, the decomposed dead body of the husband Raja Raghuvanshi found in a George of Weisawdong falls, wife still remain missing. Police have recovered a suspected murder weapon — a dao (machete) along with a mobile phone from the deepest layer of the gorge near Weisawdong Falls in the Sohra region (Cherrapunji).
The couple, Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, went missing on May 23, 2025. The NDRF, SDRF, and Special Operations Team launched search operation in the Sohra region (Cherrapunji). Eight days later, Raja’s semi-decomposed body was discovered at the bottom of the gorge near the Weisawdong Falls parking area at Riat Arliang.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem confirmed that a case has been registered under charges of murder and destruction of evidence, and assured that the investigation is being treated with the highest priority.
He stated that the post-mortem report will be crucial in determining whether Raja Raghuvanshi’s death occurred before or after he fell into the gorge.
“We are not ruling out any possibilities at this stage. The recovered weapon was certainly used in the murder. Whether the motive was robbery, personal vendetta, hatred or any other issue between the accused and the victims — all angles are being investigated. We still need more evidence before drawing any conclusions,” SP Syiem said.
Indore Couple Missing in Meghalaya: Husband Raja dead body Identified, Wife Sonam Still Missing
Raja, 30, was identified by a tattoo with his name on his right hand. His wife, 27-year-old Sonam Raghuvanshi, remains missing. Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt as suspicions of murder, robbery, or kidnapping continue to grow.
“We are approaching the investigation with an open mind. All possibilities are being considered, including the angle of honour killing,” said SP Vivek Syiem in a statement to CNN-News18.
The couple had checked out of a homestay in Nongriat village — about 20 km from where Raja’s body was found — on the same day they disappeared. They had arrived in Mawlakhiat, parked a rented scooter, and hiked 3,000 steps to visit the living root bridges before staying overnight.
“A team of 17 rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the search and rescue operations at Sohra today,” East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told PTI.
Key Evidence Found in Gorge on Indore Couple Missing in Meghalaya
According to East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem, the following items were recovered during the search:
- A dao (machete) believed to be the murder weapon
- A mobile phone, potentially belonging to the missing woman
- A white shirt, believed to be Sonam’s
- A broken mobile screen
- A strip of Pentra 40 tablets (used for acidity)
- Raja’s smartwatch, found strapped to his wrist
The police have registered a murder case and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to explore every possible angle, including honour killing and kidnapping.
Family Demands CBI Probe
The family of the deceased has raised serious questions over the investigation. Raja’s brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, stated:
“This is not just a disappearance. His diamond bracelet and wallet are missing. We strongly suspect murder for robbery. Also we fear that Sonam has been abducted. We demand a CBI investigation.”
The family believes the crime was premeditated and involved more than one person.
Post-Mortem at NEIGRIHMS, Search for Sonam Continues
Raja’s body has been sent to NEIGRIHMS Hospital in Shillong for autopsy. Investigators are hoping the forensic results, along with the recovered items. This will provide vital clues into what is now being treated as a possible double homicide.
