Raphael Warjri

After over a week of intensive search operations, East Khasi Hills Police have confirmed the recovery of the body of Raja Raghuvanshi — one of the two tourists who went missing in Meghalaya on May 23rd. The body was discovered this morning near the Weisawdong Parking Lot at Riat Arliang, a remote and steep area in the Sohra region.

Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem stated that the body was located at approximately 11:48 AM with the help of drone surveillance, carried out jointly by the district police, the State Disaster Response Force, the Special Operations Team, and the West Jaintia Hills Adventure Mountaineering Club.

Due to the difficult terrain, the body was retrieved and brought up to the parking zone, where a magisterial inquest was conducted by Executive Magistrate Adiel R. Kynta. The deceased was formally identified by family members through a distinctive tattoo on his left arm reading "Raja."

Alongside the body, authorities also recovered a woman's jacket, a piece of Pentra 40 paper, a part of a Vivo mobile screen, and a smartwatch, all of which are now part of the ongoing investigation.

The body has been transported to NEIGRIHMS Hospital in Shillong for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. While investigations are still underway, police have not ruled out foul play and have formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter further.

The search continues for Raja Raghuvanshi’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, who remains unaccounted for. Rescue operations have been hampered by rough weather and challenging terrain.

SP Vivek Syiem commended the relentless efforts of all the rescue teams involved and assured that more details will be made available as the investigation progresses.