Meghalaya: Days after the shocking discovery of Raja Raghuvanshi’s body in a gorge near Sohra, the Meghalaya Police have announced significant progress in the case.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that three assailants, all from Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested. A female suspect has surrendered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend one more accused.

“Within 7 days a major breakthrough has been achieved by the #MeghalayaPolice… Well done!” Sangma posted on June 9, lauding the state police for swift action.

The victim, Raja (29), had been on a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya with his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi (25). The couple disappeared on May 23 after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Raja’s body was later found in a deep gorge on June 2. However, Sonam remains missing, raising concerns about her safety and whereabouts.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to hand over the case to the CBI. Calling it a “critical hour of crisis,” Yadav said he had spoken to CM Sangma and that MP police were coordinating closely with Meghalaya authorities.

Family alleges abduction, dissatisfaction with probe

Sonam’s father, Devi Singh Raghuvanshi, has accused Meghalaya Police of mishandling the investigation. He believes his daughter is still alive and being held by the culprits. The family is pressing for a central agency to take over the probe, citing delays and lack of clarity in the current investigation.

Timeline of events

  • May 11: Raja and Sonam marry in Indore
  • May 20: Couple travels to Meghalaya for honeymoon
  • May 22: They stay overnight in Nongriat after visiting root bridges
  • May 23: They check out and disappear; later that day, their scooter is found abandoned
  • June 2: Raja’s body is discovered near Sohra
  • June 9: Three suspects arrested, one surrenders, one still absconding

Authorities recovered a white shirt, medicine strips, mobile phone fragments, and a smartwatch from the area where Raja’s body was found. These items may be key to unravelling the final moments of the couple.