Indore Missing Couples In Meghalaya: Family alleges Negligence After Body Of Missing Groom Found ; Search Operations For Wife Continue

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The tragic case of the missing city-based couple in Meghalaya took a grim turn, with the decomposed body of Raja Raghuwanshi recovered from a deep gorge in Sohra (Cherrapunji) on June 2 — ten days after he and his wife Sonam went missing during their honeymoon.

While officials continue rescue efforts for Sonam, the family has accused the Meghalaya government of serious lapses and delay in action, alleging that timely intervention could have saved Raja’s life.

Speaking to the media, Raja’s relative Ravi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the pace and scale of the rescue operation. “We have been demanding army assistance from day one. If the search had been conducted with helicopters or drones right from the start, we might have found Raja alive,” he said. “We are unhappy with the actions of the Meghalaya tourism department and the state government.

The couple may have been kidnapped and killed after a robbery, as they were wearing jewellery and their scooter was found with the key and helmet missing.”

Family members further questioned whether the government would have responded in the same way had it involved relatives of ministers or senior officials. “They kept blaming the weather. We asked for drones, army support, helicopters — but nothing happened. If the rescue had been serious from the beginning, Raja could have been saved,” a relative said.

The family also criticised Meghalaya tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh’s comment that the state should not be defamed “for just two people,” calling it “irresponsible” and insensitive. They said the government should have deployed full resources from day one, especially since the couple’s last known location was in a high-risk, remote terrain.

Timeline of events and continued search

According to local officials, the couple had checked out of a homestay in Nongriat on the morning of May 23, accompanied by a local guide. They never arrived at Mawlakhiat village, where they had parked their rented scooter. The abandoned scooter was found the following day, which raised alarms and led to the family filing a missing persons report.

Despite difficult weather conditions and rugged terrain, search efforts were launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police. After days of effort, Raja’s body was found on June 2 in a gorge around 25 km from the location where their scooter had been discovered — a distance that has added to the family's suspicion of foul play.

Political intervention and reward offer

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had spoken directly with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. MP Shankar Lalwani also visited Shillong and met with police officials to monitor the situation closely.

Frustrated by the lack of progress in the early days, the family had even announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for anyone providing credible information about the couple’s whereabouts.

Last conversation

An audio of the last conversation between Sonam Raghuwanshi and her mother-in-law during their last phone call on May 23 — the day Sonam and her husband Raja went missing - went viral on social media on Monday.

^{Mother-in-law: My child, how are you? I was making sabudana for the fast and thought of you — today is my dear daughter-in-law’s Ekadashi, right? You’re fasting, aren’t you?}

^{Sonam Raghuwanshi: Yes, Mom. I clearly told him that I won't break my Ekadashi fast just for the sake of travelling.}

^{Mother-in-law: Dear, why are you sounding so breathless? Please eat something if you get anything suitable for the fast.}

^{Sonam Raghuwanshi: Mom, there’s nothing decent to eat or drink here. I just had coffee at one place and it felt like I was drinking who-knows-what.}

^{Mother-in-law: Where are you right now, dear?}

^{Sonam Raghuwanshi: Mom, he’s taken me to roam around in the forests. The climb is very steep and tough. I’m out of breath. I’ll talk later.}

^{Mother-in-law: It’s okay, dear. Now that I’ve heard your voice, I’m relieved. Try to eat something suitable for the fast.}