Shillong, June 9: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the Home (Police) portfolio, on Monday disclosed significant details of the case relating to missing couple from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, who had vanished during their honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunji) on May 23, 2025.
Addressing the press in Shillong, Tynsong confirmed the arrest of four individuals and the surrender of the missing woman, Sonam Raghuvanshi, in Uttar Pradesh. “As you all know about the incident that happened a few weeks back, this is the moment I would like to share with all of you about the breakthrough made by the police force,” Tynsong said.
The couple – Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi – had gone missing in East Khasi Hills district. Initially registered as a missing persons case, it turned tragic when Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was later recovered. Investigations soon escalated with the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
After intense investigative work involving multi-state coordination, the Meghalaya Police, along with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Police, arrested four individuals – Akash Rajput (19) from Laddpur, Uttar Pradesh;
Vishal Singh Chauhan (22) from Indore, Madhya Pradesh; Raj Singh Kushwaha (21) from an undisclosed location;
Anand Kushwaha (23) from Basahari village, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh.
Additionally, Sonam Raghuvanshi surrendered at the Nanganj Police Station in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh. She is currently in the safe custody of the UP Police. Legal protocols for her transit and formal questioning are underway.
Tynsong commended the “round-the-clock efforts” by the Meghalaya Police’s SIT, aided by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local Dorbars, West Jaintia Hills Monitoring Club, district associations, and media cooperation. Despite difficult terrain and poor weather, the team pushed forward.
“The arrests mark a decisive development in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Sri Raja Raghuvanshi and the subsequent disappearance of his wife,” he said.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP), Vivek Syiem, highlighted major hurdles in the case, including torrential rainfall during the early search efforts and a lack of CCTV or tourist registration at local accommodations.
Tynsong acknowledged that the suspects fled Meghalaya immediately after the alleged crime on May 23, complicating efforts. “At that time, we didn’t know if it was a murder. We were looking for missing tourists,” he said. Following the recovery of the body, a SIT was formed and a full-scale investigation was launched.
When asked about how the suspects travelled, officials said details on transport—train or flight—would be verified once the accused are brought back for questioning.
While the exact motive is still under investigation, authorities indicated that Sonam Raghuvanshi is “one of the prime accused.” Officials believe that the crime was premeditated, with Sonam allegedly connected to at least one of the assailants, particularly Raj Singh Kushwaha, suspected to be her former partner. Police are exploring whether this relationship may have influenced the planning and execution of the crime.
“All the dots connected to indicate that there was prior planning. But we will confirm everything once they are brought here for interrogation,” SP Vivek Syiem said.
Officials clarified that Sonam had remained underground until the day the arrests began. “Once the operation was underway, she suddenly surfaced and surrendered,” the SP added, hinting at possible coordination with others.
Reacting to criticism and negative portrayal of Meghalaya on social media and national media outlets, Tynsong strongly defended the state’s safety record. “When people say Meghalaya is a den of criminals, it hurts us. Our police force is one of the best in the country. We dealt with militancy on our own without needing the Army. This is the same police force that solved this complex case in just seven days,” he said.
He also condemned communal remarks made online, some of which targeted local communities. “We have taken suo moto cases against those making hateful or false statements,” the SP added.
Tynsong further emphasized that the case is still under investigation and appealed for patience from the public and the media. “Let the process of justice take its course. All the truth will come out soon,” he stated.
When asked if Raja’s family has been contacted, police confirmed that Raja Raghuvanshi’s family has been involved since day one and has been accompanying the team during searches.
On improving safety for tourists, the government has directed all homestay and hotel owners to maintain proper guest registration. The Tourism Department is also implementing digital registration via a mobile app to alert local police stations. “This operation should further encourage tourists to visit Meghalaya. We remain a safe and welcoming destination,” Tynsong concluded.
