Shillong, June 9: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has praised the Meghalaya Police for solving the high-profile murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed during a honeymoon trip in Sohra (Cherrapunji).

The Minister addressed the media following the arrest of five accused individuals, including the victim’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi. Calling it a case involving a “love triangle” and contract killers, Lyngdoh said, “The people of Meghalaya are relieved. The confidence we placed in our police force has been vindicated. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), along with local mountaineering and rock-climbing associations and the people of Sohra, overcame tough terrain and monsoon conditions to recover the victim’s body and solve the case within just seven days.”

Sonam Raghuvanshi surrendered at the Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh. Four other accused were arrested by police from different parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, three of whom are alleged contract killers. the four accused are – Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, Anand Kurmi, and Raj Kushwaha.

The Minister strongly criticised sections of the national media and family members of the accused and the victim for casting aspersions on the Meghalaya Police and defaming the state. “There was an unjust media trial, and derogatory comments were made against the people of Meghalaya. FIRs have been filed and legal action will be taken against those responsible for spreading hate and misinformation,” Lyngdoh said.

Responding to concerns about tourist safety, Lyngdoh clarified that the couple had declined the offer of a local guide. “The state cannot force tourists to take guides. The service is available, but optional,” he said.

He emphasised that Sohra remains a safe destination, with this being the first such criminal incident involving tourists. “Our tourist spots are safe. But when people arrive with the intent to commit murder, it becomes difficult to prevent it—especially when they refuse assistance,” he said.

On the topic of surveillance, officials added that while many homestays and hotels in high-footfall areas have been advised to install CCTV cameras, it is not feasible to cover vast and rugged terrains like Sohra entirely.

The police confirmed that the murder weapon—a dao (machete)—was bought from Guwahati, and that the accused had planned the crime in advance. The post-mortem revealed that Raja was killed by two blows to the head.

Officials are now awaiting transit remand for the accused to bring them back to Meghalaya for further investigation and reconstruction of the crime.

The government has assured that security measures at key tourist sites will be reviewed and strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Also Read: Indore murder case: Victim’s mother demands death penalty if Daughter-in-law found guilty

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