Why is Meghalaya DGP Being Urged to Intensify Search for Missing Woman MP?

Bhopal, June 8 (NationPress) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu action in light of a troubling media report regarding the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi and the mysterious disappearance of his wife, Sonam, while they were on their honeymoon in Meghalaya.

Concerns about possible human trafficking to Bangladesh have escalated, particularly after blood-stained clothing was found and eyewitnesses reported seeing the couple with unidentified individuals.

Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has officially requested the Director General of Police, Meghalaya, to enhance search operations using advanced technology such as drone surveillance, trained search dogs, and specialized investigative teams.

She has emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis and, if necessary, collaboration with national investigative bodies.

Additionally, the immediate arrest of suspects has been ordered, with a detailed report required within three days.

"The Commission views this as a grave oversight and a blatant violation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The reported delay not only diminishes the seriousness of the situation but also violates the legal responsibilities outlined in the POSH Act," stated a post on the NCW's X account.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has appealed to the Union Home Ministry to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

In a post on his X account, he stated, "During this critical time, Madhya Pradesh stands united with the family of Mrs. Sonam Raghuvanshi. I have personally discussed this issue with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Senior police officials from Madhya Pradesh are in consistent communication with their counterparts in Meghalaya."

The Chief Minister has also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate a CBI investigation into this matter.

Every possible measure is being undertaken to ensure the safe return of Sonam Raghuvanshi.

The newlywed couple from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, had embarked on their honeymoon to Sohra, Meghalaya, where tragedy unfolded.

Raja's lifeless body and the rented scooter were discovered on Monday via drone surveillance. His body was recovered on June 2 from a gorge near Weisawdong Falls.

The absence of his gold ring and necklace has led investigators to suspect foul play, further supported by the recovery of his phone and a machete believed to be the murder weapon. Sonam remains missing.

On Saturday, a tourist guide named Albert Pde disclosed that the couple had been seen with three men before their disappearance.

Pde remarked, "Four men were walking ahead while the woman was behind. They were conversing in Hindi, but I couldn’t comprehend their conversation as I only speak Khasi and English."

He recounted meeting Raja and Sonam at Nongriat and Mawlakhiyat on May 23. Although he recognized them from a previous encounter, he couldn’t understand their discussions as they communicated in Hindi.

According to Vipin, a close friend, Raja and Sonam married on May 11 and traveled to Shillong on May 20 for their honeymoon. Their itinerary included a visit to the Maa Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, followed by their journey to Meghalaya on May 23.

While their family maintained regular communication initially, both phones became unreachable on May 24, raising alarms.

Concerned, Vipin and Sonam's brother, Govind, commenced their search, traveling from Indore to Bhopal, then flying to Delhi, Guwahati, and finally reaching Shillong by car before proceeding to Sohra via taxi.

Upon arrival, they met Anil, a local moped rental provider, who guided them to the location where Raja's vehicle had been found. Their subsequent visit to the Sohra police station yielded disappointing results.

Determined, the family continued their search the next day, showing the couple's photographs to locals. Their inquiries led them to a hotel in Sohra, where the manager reportedly mentioned that Raja and Sonam had checked out at 5:30 a.m. This unusual timing raised more questions, as it seemed peculiar for a newlywed couple on vacation to leave at such an early hour.

As investigations accelerate, the quest for justice for Raja and the urgent search for Sonam persist, with authorities facing increasing pressure to unveil the mystery surrounding their fate.