CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Senior BJP legislator and Meghalaya Cabinet Minister A.L. Hek on Wednesday affirmed that Sohra remains a safe tourist destination even as a full-scale search continues for missing Indore couple Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi. Hek informed that three dedicated rescue teams, supported by K9 units, drones from the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), and Special Operations Team (SOT) personnel, have been deployed. The search now spans treacherous trekking routes and deep gorges across Mawkdok, Umdiengpoh, and Sohra Rim. “There’s no threat to tourists. I visited today and saw many visitors enjoying the area safely. Stray incidents can happen anywhere,” Hek told reporters after reviewing search operations in the region. The couple, who arrived in Nongriat on May 22, were last seen on May 23 after checking out of Shipara Homestay with a local guide. Their abandoned scooty was found at Sohrarim on May 24, triggering the multi-agency operation.
Despite days of intensive search, authorities have yet to locate the couple. “They are still untraceable. Police, magistrates, local communities—everyone is doing their best,” Hek said.
Asked about seeking Army assistance, Hek noted that the matter has already been taken up with senior officials including the SP, DC, and ADM, following appeals from BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh who identified the missing duo as relatives. “It’s hard to say anything now. Their phones are switched off, and there are no leads,” he added, declining to comment on possible foul play.
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