Shillong, June 18: At a time when Meghalaya is under national radar following the tragic murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a tourist from Madhya Pradesh, the state government has taken several steps to restore public confidence and improve safety protocols for visitors.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister AL Hek has extended his full support to the Meghalaya Police for their ongoing investigation into the recent tourist murder in Sohra, which has shocked the state and sparked widespread concern about tourist safety.
Speaking to reporters, Hek commended the police for their thorough and dedicated efforts. He particularly appreciated the step of taking the main accused, Sonam Raghuvanshi, to Sohra for the recreation of the crime scene, calling it “an excellent and extraordinary move” that will help the police gather authentic and credible evidence.
“This process will help the police verify everything — from the route taken to the exact locations visited by the accused. This kind of on-ground recreation can provide very strong and direct evidence,” Hek said.
When asked whether he would urge the police to file a watertight chargesheet against the accused, the Minister said the police are aware of their responsibilities. “They know their duty. We must have full faith in them. They are doing a good job, and they will ensure that justice is delivered,” he said.
Reacting to criticism from some quarters, including opposition leaders who questioned the police investigation, Hek strongly defended the state police. “From day one, we have appreciated their work. I never said anything against the police. But when the family of the victim expressed a lack of trust and called for a CBI probe, I simply said if they want to approach central or even international agencies, that is their choice. It should not be misunderstood as criticism of the state police,” he clarified.
Reflecting on the broader lessons from this tragic incident, the Minister emphasized the need to strengthen systems to safeguard both residents and visitors. He reiterated the importance of implementing the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) effectively.
“While the demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP) continues, it is a central subject. But MRSSA is under our control, and once fully implemented, it will be a powerful tool. It will help monitor the movement of people entering the state, especially tourists, and ensure their safety. If tourists are properly registered, their whereabouts will be known, making them less vulnerable,” Hek said.
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