Shillong, June 5, 2025: The brutal murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old businessman from Indore, during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has sent shockwaves across India, with his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, still missing. The incident, initially reported as a possible robbery, has sparked speculation about a potential terror angle, especially in light of recent terrorist activities in the region, such as the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. However, authorities have not confirmed any link to terrorism in the Meghalaya case.
Raja and Sonam, married on May 11, 2025, vanished on May 23 after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village, known for its scenic living root bridges. Their rented scooter was found abandoned near Sohrarim village the next day. On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls in Sohra, hacked to death with a traditional machete, which was recovered bloodstained alongside his smashed mobile phone. Missing items, including gold rings, a chain, and a wallet, initially pointed to robbery as a motive. A tattoo reading “Raja” on his right hand confirmed his identity.
The ongoing search for Sonam, now in its 13th day, has yielded a bloodstained raincoat believed to be hers, found in the Mawkma area, along with other items like a woman’s white shirt, a smartwatch, and medicine strips. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Meghalaya Police, using drones, K9 units, and mountaineers, are battling heavy rainfall and rugged terrain to locate her. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the homicide, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma assuring a thorough investigation.
The timing of the incident has raised questions about a possible terror connection, especially following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed by armed militants targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. That attack, described as a “heinous and barbaric” act, led to widespread condemnation and heightened security concerns across India. In Meghalaya, past reports of terror groups, such as the National Liberation Council of Nongkyndong (NLCN) busted in 2023 and the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), indicate a history of insurgent activity in the state. Additionally, a 2022 threat by a self-proclaimed “terror group” of jobless youth, Lawei ba Phyrnai, to Chief Minister Sangma highlighted local unrest.
However, Meghalaya Police have not indicated that Raja’s murder or Sonam’s disappearance is linked to any organized terror group. Preliminary investigations suggest a local crime, possibly involving a dispute with a coffee vendor near the site, though robbery remains the primary motive. The recovery of personal items and the absence of any terror group claiming responsibility further distance this case from a terrorist act. Raja’s family, alleging foul play, has demanded a CBI probe, expressing fears that Sonam may have been abducted. “We want answers. This doesn’t feel like a simple robbery,” said Raja’s brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi.
The case has reignited concerns about tourist safety in Meghalaya, particularly after a Hungarian trekker’s death earlier this year near the same root bridges. While the state remains a popular destination, authorities are under pressure to resolve this tragedy and ensure Sonam’s safe return. As the SIT continues its probe and searches persist, the nation watches closely, hoping for justice for Raja and clarity on Sonam’s fate.
