The tourist murder case in Meghalaya has taken a tricky turn as police continue to investigate the suspicious death of Raja Raghuvanshi and the unexplained disappearance of his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi. The newly-married couple from Indore had visits to Meghalaya for their honeymoon but went missing on May 23. Raja's body was discovered near Weisawdong Falls, identified by a tattoo on his arm.

On the same day the couple vanished, Raja’s mother get a voice note from Sonam. In the message, she seemed short of breath, said she was trekking to a waterfall, and suggested on continuing her religious fast. That was the last known contact with her.

As the search was ongoing, police found a black raincoat near a viewpoint, though they are not sure if it was related to Sonam. The coat had stains, but officials say only forensic tests will confirm whether it’s blood. A smashed phone, a machete, and other belonging items were also recovered from the gorge where Raja’s body was spotted by a drone.

Authorities have registered a homicide case and say foul play is strongly suspected. SP Vivek Syiem called Sonam’s disappearance “inexplicable,” especially since no trace of her has been found despite days of searching at uneven and coved rocks. A Special Investigation Team has been made, and search operations hindered by rough weather are ongoing.

The couple’s rented scooter was found abandoned in Sohrarim, 25 km from the gorge, with the key still in the ignition. As investigators continue their efforts, the mystery surrounding this tourist murder and the missing wife only grows deeper.