Missing Indore couple likely went hiking in steep terrain: Meghalaya Chief Minister
A large-scale search operation is underway in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district for a newly-wed couple from Madhya Pradesh who went missing last week while on their honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunji). Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said that steep terrain and monsoon conditions are making the search operation extremely difficult, but authorities are committed to finding the couple.'It looks like after leaving the bike there, they have gone off-road mainly to hike. The area that they went to, both sides have hiking treks, they are very steep. And of course, in this monsoon season, the possibility of slippery areas is also very high,' Sangma said.advertisementThe couple, Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam, both from Indore, were last in contact with family on May 23. The next day, the scooter they had rented was found abandoned near Sohrarim village, a scenic spot often visited by tourists. Since then, both their phones have been switched off and are untraceable.
'This is a very, very unfortunate situation. My counterpart from Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister, has spoken to me. I have received a call from the Home Minister's office,' Sangma said.The Chief Minister assured that the administration has been working round-the-clock. 'I have been monitoring this situation personally on a daily basis. The Superintendent of Police as well as the entire administration and the police force have been on the job 24x7... The entire village and the community in that area is also participating in this search,' he added.advertisementRelatives of the couple, including Raja's brother Vipin and Sonam's brother Govind, have flown in from Indore to help with the search. Govind reportedly used the couple's travel photos and Google Maps to trace their possible route. The rented vehicle was reportedly found near Osra Hill, an area being closely investigated.Police say the terrain is 'beautiful but unforgiving', with thick forest cover, deep gorges, and slippery cliffs making search and rescue efforts risky and slow. A nearby resort, allegedly associated with criminal activity, is also under scrutiny to determine whether the couple visited or stayed there.'We are using all the possible technology available with us to help in our endeavour,' Sangma said. 'Overall the search area is very, very big. We are working very hard... We are hopeful that we will be able to find them.'Officials from Madhya Pradesh, including DCP Crime Branch Rajesh Kumar Tripathi, are coordinating with Meghalaya Police. Cabinet minister Tulsiram Silawat has assured the family of all possible help.This is the second disappearance in the district in recent months. In April, Hungarian tourist Puskas Zsolt went missing and was later found dead near Ramdait village. Authorities had ruled out foul play in that case.advertisementIn response to recent incidents, local authorities had issued safety advisories for tourists, urging them to avoid remote trails and forest areas without proper guidance.'For us, tourists are like our family, especially in Sohra area, they have treated tourists as part of their family,' Sangma said. 'Every single village has offered their help. They are tirelessly working along with the administration.
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