As Indore transporter Raja Raghuvanshi’s last rites were performed in a tearful ceremony, his grieving family renewed demands for a CBI investigation, citing unanswered questions in the brutal killing.
By PC Bureau
June 5,2025: — As the grieving family of Indore-based transporter Raja Raghuvanshi performed his last rites in Madhya Pradesh, search teams in Meghalaya’s Sohra region recovered a large-sized raincoat from the thick undergrowth near the Weisawdong waterfalls — the same area where his body was found two days earlier. Authorities say the raincoat may hold clues to the mysterious disappearance of Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, who remains missing nearly two weeks after the couple vanished while on their honeymoon.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem confirmed on Wednesday that the raincoat — 3XL in size — was retrieved by personnel engaged in an intensive ground operation. “We are yet to confirm through forensic testing whether it has blood stains or belongs to the missing woman,” he said, adding that the terrain and heavy rains have significantly slowed the search. More than 50 personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Special Operation Team, SIT, and local volunteers are part of the operation.
The search resumed even as Raja’s body, flown in from Shillong, reached Indore on Wednesday evening. Emotional scenes played out as his family received the mortal remains. “Why did I let you go?” his distraught mother cried, inconsolable. His father, too, was overwhelmed with grief. The funeral was held at the Regional Park crematorium, attended by relatives, friends, and members of the local transport community.
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The couple had gone missing on May 23 while exploring tourist spots in Sohra (Cherrapunji). After a 10-day search, Raja’s partially decomposed body was recovered near a forested cliff. His body bore multiple wounds, and investigators suspect he may have been hacked to death with a machete — a detail that has intensified concerns about the brutal nature of the crime. Sonam, however, remains untraced, deepening suspicions and prompting the family to call for a CBI inquiry. “This is not an ordinary incident. We need an impartial and thorough probe,” a relative stated.
Raincoat recovered from Sohr has been sent for forensicexamination determine nature stains found onit.Authorities investigating whether stains are blood,pending confirmation from forensic lab.SP Vivek Syiem confirmed raincoat could key lead ongoing search for missing lady tourist pic.twitter.com/34y9Joljvm
— DD News Meghalaya (@ddnewsshillong) June 4, 2025
In response to mounting pressure, East Khasi Hills police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma acknowledged the gravity of the case, calling it “deeply disturbing,” especially in a state celebrated for its hospitality to tourists. However, he stopped short of agreeing to a CBI probe, saying, “All angles are being investigated, and no possibility is being ruled out. It’s too early to comment definitively.”
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Sangma emphasized that the safety of tourists is a priority and that Meghalaya has largely remained peaceful. “We will ensure justice is done,” he said, also announcing plans to install around 1,000 CCTV cameras at tourist hotspots — a move intended to bolster safety in collaboration with local communities who manage these sites.
Meanwhile, the alleged crime has led to debates over Sohra’s safety reputation. MDC Titosstarwell Chyne rejected claims labeling the region as crime-prone. “Sohra has welcomed lakhs of tourists for decades without major incidents,” he said. “Let us not malign the place without evidence.”
As investigators analyze CCTV footage, digital records, and forensic clues — including the newly recovered raincoat — the family clings to hope for answers. But until Sonam is found, the cloud of mystery and grief continues to loom over this once-celebrated honeymoon trip turned tragedy.
