Sohra, June 2 : After an intensive eight-day search operation, the body of Raja Raghuvanshi, a tourist from Indore, Madhya Pradesh reported missing along with his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi since May 23, was discovered in a deep gorge near Weisawdong, Sohra below the parking lot at Riat Arliang.
The search, coordinated by Sohra Police, SDRF, SOT, and the West Jaintia Hills District Adventure Mountaineering Club, culminated on the morning of June 2, when a police drone spotted the body at 11:48 AM. Due to the steep and treacherous terrain, personnel retrieved the remains and transported them to the parking lot for an official Magisterial Inquest, conducted by Adiel R. Kynta, MCS, between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM.
The deceased was identified through a distinctive tattoo reading “Raja” on his right hand. Other belongings recovered at the scene included a lady’s white shirt, a strip of Pentra 40, parts of a Vivo mobile screen, and a smartwatch from the victim’s wrist.
The body has been sent to NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. While the whereabouts of Sonam Raghuvanshi remain unknown, authorities have not ruled out foul play, and a case of murder is being registered.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is being formed to lead the inquiry into the case, which remains under active investigation.
Officials commended the dedicated efforts of the search teams, who braved challenging weather conditions in the days following the disappearance of the couple.
