While the search for Sonam Raghuvanshi continues with little progress, new information about the missing couple from Indore has emerged. The couple was reportedly seen trekking back from Nongriat village, near the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, with three other tourists.
This significant detail was shared by Albert Pde, a guide from Mawlakhiat village, where the couple had left their rented scooter on May 22. Concerned about the stagnant official search efforts, two journalists visited Mawlakhiat to gather insights from locals who might have encountered the couple.
Pde recalled that he noticed the couple on the morning of May 23. “I started my trek around 7 am and met them at around 10 am. They were midway back from Nongriat and were accompanied by three male tourists. Raja was with them while Sonam lagged a bit behind,” he explained.
When asked about any suspicious behavior, Pde indicated there was none. He noted the group was conversing in Hindi, which he couldn’t fully understand. “Had they spoken in English, I would have understood better,” he said. Although he had offered them guidance the night before, they declined.
Reflecting on that evening, Pde stated, “On the 22nd, I had taken two other tourists down to Nongriat and returned late. When I met the couple, they refused my help for the next day.”
Pde also confirmed the group appeared friendly. However, when questioned about Sonam’s state-especially since she had mentioned fasting to her mother-in-law-he acknowledged her potential fatigue but couldn’t affirm any signs of worry. “After trekking halfway, she might have been tired, but I can’t say more,” he said.
Initially reluctant to speak, Pde expressed concern over negative portrayals of Sohra as a crime-infested area. “We feel saddened by these accusations. We were raised with strong values,” he added, highlighting the emotional toll of social media backlash.
The journalists further interviewed Bhakupar Wansai, who had guided the couple earlier. He mentioned their interaction was brief, as they opted to stay overnight at Nongriat. “I offered to guide them back, but they insisted they knew the route,” Wansai shared.
Local guides report that it typically takes tourists about two hours to trek down to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge and about three hours to return. While investigating further, the journalists discovered that Mawlakhiat’s parking facilities lacked basic infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and proper roads.
Wanbha Mohali, the parking in-charge, noted he had not seen who picked up the scooter on May 23, as many tourists were present. “They didn’t leave their helmets, which could have helped identify them,” he explained.
Mohali reflected on the effect of the couple’s disappearance on local tourism. “There has been a significant decrease in visitors. We are shocked by how the scooter reached Sohrarim while the body was found in Weisawdong,” he said, adding that the community has been unjustly labeled as criminals.
The couple reportedly checked out of Shipara Homestay at 6 am on May 23. On the night of May 24, a local informed the police about an abandoned scooter. Authorities traced its ownership to the rental agency, confirming it was hired by the couple.
Raja’s body was found near Weisawdong Falls on June 2, while Sonam remains missing. Police are now treating the case as a homicide, and the couple’s families have called for a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry due to the unclear circumstances surrounding the missing 24 hours.
Original Source: https://eastmojo.com/meghalaya/2025/06/07/exclusive-missing-indore-couple-last-seen-with-3-tourists-says-guide/
Category: Free Digest,Meghalaya,News
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Publish Date: 2025-06-07 10:16:00
