CM receives call from MHA, says doing all to trace tourists from MP
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 29: Pressure is mounting on the Meghalaya government from both Madhya Pradesh and the Home Ministry to trace the tourist couple from Indore who went missing in Sohra area on Saturday. However, despite five days of intense search, there is no trace of the newlywed couple.
Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi went missing after they had set out for Sohra on a two-wheeler from Shillong.
Following a call from the Home Ministry and intense pressure from Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday broke his silence, stating that the Meghalaya government is actively searching for the couple.
“An unfortunate incident had happened where a new couple from the state of Madhya Pradesh had come to Sohra (Cherrapunjee) area. And we got reports that they went missing. It’s a very, very unfortunate situation. My counterpart from Madhya Pradesh has talked to me. I have received a call from the office of the Home Minister of India. I’ve been monitoring the situation personally on a daily basis,” Sangma said.
He said that an intensive search operation has been under way since Sunday, involving police personnel, district officials, and local volunteers. Sangma stated that the SP and the entire administration are working 24×7 to find the couple, while the entire village and community in the area are also participating in the search.
The government is deploying all possible technological resources to aid in the search, he said, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the monsoon showers.
He pointed out that the couple’s rented motorbike was found abandoned along the main road, leading authorities to suspect they may have ventured into one of the many steep and hazardous hiking trails in the area.
Despite the harsh conditions and rugged landscape, Sangma expressed hope, bolstered by the collective efforts of locals. Every village in the area has offered help, working alongside officials without rest, he said, underscoring the close bond between the people of Sohra and visiting tourists.
Sangma reiterated his government’s full commitment to the search and assured that all necessary measures are being taken to trace the couple. He said he is personally overseeing the entire operation, while sending a message of solidarity and reassurance to the families of the missing tourists.
East Khasi Hills SP, Vivek Syiem also said the police and other search teams are doing everything possible to trace the duo. He said search teams have been deployed to all suspected locations.
“The terrain is extremely challenging and the search is further hampered by torrential rains and heavy fog,” he said.
A team from the North Eastern Space Applications Centre is assisting in the search operation by using thermal drones.
The SP said special operation teams have been mobilised to assist in the effort. Two Deputy Superintendents of Police are also on the ground, he said.
Acknowledging the concerns of the missing couple’s families, friends, and well-wishers, Syiem said the police are working tirelessly every day to plan and assess what might have happened.
“We’ve traced their movements mile by mile. We are trying to determine where they went and whom they met. A lot of efforts have gone into this operation,” he said.
The search has expanded to villages near Dainthlen Falls and the greater Sohra region, including Mawkawir, Mawsahew, Mawlakhiat, Pyndemdkhar, Nongriat and Ramdait.
Syiem mentioned the earlier case involving a Hungarian tourist, noting how long it took to finally locate him. The man was found dead.
Given such experiences, advisories were issued not only for tourists but also for guest houses and homestay operators regarding safety protocols, the SP said.
“We’re preparing a more detailed list of do’s and don’ts. In fact, many measures are already in place. Advisories have been issued by the SDO (Civil) Sohra over the years,” he said, mentioning steps like installing CCTVs and maintaining proper guest documentation.
