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Key Points

The search for Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, the missing newlywed couple from Madhya Pradesh, continues vigorously in Meghalaya's Sohra-Cherrapunji region. The operation faces tough challenges with heavy rains and difficult terrain, prompting investigators to use drones and sniffer dogs. Efforts have turned community-wide with villagers actively participating, while Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma closely monitors the progress. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh officials, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, stay engaged with their counterparts to ensure an effective search and rescue mission.

Key Points: Meghalaya Ramps Up Search for Missing MP Newlyweds in Sohra-Cherrapunji

  • Sohra-Cherrapunji challenging terrain hampers search
  • Drones and sniffer dogs deployed in search operation
  • Madhya Pradesh officials engage with Meghalaya leaders
2 min read

Hectic search on for missing MP couple in Meghalaya since May 24

Meghalaya mobilizes drones and locals amidst persistent rains for missing MP couple search.

"I am personally monitoring the search and rescue efforts constantly. - Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma"

Shillong, June 1

The Meghalaya Police, the East Khasi Hills district administration, and the local community continued their hectic search operation to trace the tourist couple from Madhya Pradesh, who have been reported missing since May 24 while visiting the northeastern state's Sohra-Cherrapunji areas.

East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of police Vivek Syiem on Sunday said that incessant rains, steep and very slippery mountainous areas are very challenging for the search operations.

Heavy rainfall during the past few days and low visibility have become major hindrances for the search and rescue operation, he said.

"We have also deployed drones and sniffer dogs to search for the couple who went missing in the East Khasi Hills district's Sohra-Cherrapunji areas. Every single villager in the area is now involved in the search operation," the district police chief told IANS.

The administration might take the help of paramilitary forces to assist in the search operations, he added.

According to police, newlywed Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi, 27, residents of Indore, who were touring Meghalaya, went missing on May 24 from the Sohra-Cherrapunji area in the East Khasi Hills district, a tourist hotspot in the northeast region.

They reportedly arrived from Indore in the hilly state on 20 May for their honeymoon and visited some areas before going to Sohra-Cherrapunji. The couple hired a two-wheeler and visited the picturesque area before their disappearance, the official had said. Their hired two-wheeler was found abandoned near Sohra Rim, 15 km away from Sohra town. The couple's mobile phones have been switched off since May 24 night.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) last week spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and inquired about the progress of the search operation.

Sangma had said: "We treat the tourists as our family members. People of the Sohra-Cherrapunji areas also treated the tourists as their family members. A large number of villagers are now involved in the search operation."

"I am personally monitoring the search and rescue efforts constantly," the Chief Minister had said.

Madhya Pradesh MPs Shankar Lalwani and Sumer Singh Solanki also came to Meghalaya and held meetings with the Director General of Police I. Nongrang, and Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang to discuss the search operations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is so heartbreaking 💔 Newlyweds on their honeymoon... I hope they're found safe soon. The terrain in Meghalaya is beautiful but can be dangerous if you're not familiar with it. Authorities should consider putting up more warning signs in tourist areas.
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Rahul S.
Kudos to the local villagers and administration for their relentless efforts despite challenging weather conditions. This shows the unity of our country - people from MP missing in Meghalaya and everyone coming together to help. #PrayForTheCouple
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Amit D.
While the search efforts are commendable, I feel tourist safety measures in the Northeast need improvement. Many travelers underestimate the risks in these areas. Maybe mandatory local guides for certain routes would help prevent such incidents.
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Neha P.
The CM's statement about treating tourists as family members is so touching! This is the real India we should showcase to the world. Hoping for good news soon. The weather conditions must be making it so difficult for the search teams. Stay strong!
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Vikram J.
Why were they allowed to rent a two-wheeler in such terrain without proper guidance? There should be stricter regulations for tourists in hilly areas. Praying for their safety but this could have been prevented with better safety protocols.
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Sunita M.
The couple's families must be going through hell right now. I appreciate how quickly both state governments coordinated. Shows our federal system can work effectively in crisis situations. Hope the drones and sniffer dogs can locate them soon 🙏

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