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NDTV
18-06-2025
- NDTV
Exit-Entry Monitoring, Private Vehicles Ban: Meghalaya's Safe Tourism Push
In the wake of the Meghalaya honeymoon murder, the state government has doubled down on its commitment to ensure safe tourism with a multi-pronged action plan aimed at both enhancing visitor experience and eliminating criminal activities linked to the sector. State tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh, while outlining the government's action roadmap, said that all accommodation units across the state - lodges, resorts, homestays or paying guest facilities-must now mandatorily register every traveller through the government's tourism app. "The app already contains all data of every traveller in Meghalaya. Now these travellers will stay at either resort or homestays and all of the properties have been instructed to register them compulsorily. The data is also being shared with the local police station," he said. He further added, "If anyone doesn't register and there is a breach of the law, the onus falls on the owner of that accommodation unit." The minister confirmed that the government's broader strategy will also include entry-exit monitoring, mandatory digital tracking, and a ban on private vehicles ferrying tourists to plug security loopholes. The Transport Department has issued a formal notification prohibiting the rental of private two-wheelers and four-wheelers for tourism purposes. The state cabinet is also set to revisit and strengthen the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to give it "more teeth." "The decision to revisit the MRSSA and give it more teeth will also help to a large extent for us to be able to control crime," Lyngdoh remarked. In a major expansion of mobility services for regulated tourism, Mr Lyngdoh announced that the state will induct 50 new prime tourism vehicles by July. "We will introduce a new fresh fleet of this prime vehicles. We will follow the due process of inviting interested entrepreneurs to access this scheme," he informed. Addressing concerns over a temporary decline in tourist footfall, the minister stressed that no single event can be blamed in isolation. "In any sector, especially a sector as fragile as tourism, there are always ups and downs, but if there's any decline in footfalls, it would not be only because of this one single incident. You have to consider the traffic situation in the city, you have to consider the flash floods and waterlogging at Jorabat. All of these also hinder movement of tourists," Mr Lyngdoh said. He assured that efforts are underway to resolve these hurdles. "When it comes to the waterlogging at Khanapara and Jorabat, we have just had a discussion at the level of the Chief Ministers of both Assam and Meghalaya." Mr Lyngdoh said the swift breakthrough in the high-profile murder case involving Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi is a testament to Meghalaya Police's efficiency. "The state police has already made a name for itself by cracking this criminal case of Sonam in record time of seven days. That spectacular performance of the Meghalaya police itself has put the fear to visitors to not play around while travelling to Meghalaya. You can come here as tourists-we will welcome you, but if you create any issues and indulge yourself in criminal activities, the state police is there to immediately jump upon you." Mr Lyngdoh expressed optimism about the sector's revival, with events like the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 presenting an opportunity of a major rebound in tourist arrivals. "After this case was solved by the state police, there is a tendency for the sector to again recover and hopefully with our announcement of future events, we expect that there will be an upsurge of visitors again," he said.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Time of India
Raja Raghuvanshi murder: Meghalaya makes tourist registration mandatory at all homestays
Following the sensational murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, the Meghalaya government has directed all homestays, resorts and families to mandatorily record details of tourists that stay there. A senior official of the Meghalaya Tourism Department said that the state government has directed all the homestays, resorts and even landlords to compulsorily register all their visitors and take their necessary details."The government would ensure that all homestays and accommodation units now obligatorily register tourists, visitors and guests through the tourism app.' The Meghalaya government on June 13 decided to strengthen existing laws to ensure the safety of state residents and curb the entry of criminal elements posing as tourists. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stunning 2-Bed Senior Houses: Take A Peek Inside! Senior Houses | Search Ads Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh had said that the council of ministers in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on June 13 decided to review the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, an existing state legislation, to add tougher provisions to the Act to minimise the possibility of criminal elements entering Meghalaya as tourists. The government's move comes weeks after the ghastly murder of Raja Raghuvanshi (28), who was brutally killed during his honeymoon while on a trip to Sohra-Cherrapunji areas of the East Khasi Hills district, in a plot allegedly orchestrated by his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi (24) and her alleged lover Raj Singh Kushwaha (21). Live Events Pressure groups in Meghalaya had intensified demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to keep tabs of people entering the state. Members of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) had staged a protest outside the Main Secretariat recently seeking implementation of ILP recently. CoMSO leader Donboklang Kharlyngdoh had said that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in 2019 urging the Centre to implement the ILP, yet no response has been received even after nearly six years. The organisations stated, 'If ILP were in place, individuals with dubious intentions would think twice before entering Meghalaya. They would have to register their name, address, duration of stay, and departure plans. The main accused, Sonam, had entered the state with her husband and exited the state alone'.
NDTV
17-06-2025
- NDTV
After Honeymoon Murder, Meghalaya Bans Renting Private Vehicles For Commercial Use
Shillong: In the wake of the tragic murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based businessman, who was killed during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, the state government has banned renting out private vehicles for commercial purposes. The move to ban renting private vehicles -- both two-wheelers and four-wheelers -- is to ensure tourist safety. A public notice issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Transport dated June 13, 2025, clarified that Meghalaya has not implemented the Rent-a-Motorcycle or Rent-a-Cab schemes. Therefore, no individual or agency is legally authorised to offer private vehicles for hire in the state. The notice also referenced key sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which prohibit such practices: Section 66 requires a valid permit for transport vehicles, Section 192A prescribes penalties for unauthorised use of vehicles for commercial gain, and Section 207 empowers authorities to seize vehicles found in violation. The violators will face severe consequences, including fines, vehicle seizure and potential imprisonment, warned David D Sangma, the Commissioner of Transport. Speaking on the enforcement, Superintendent of Police (Traffic), East Khasi Hills, K Prasad, said, "We have received the order from the Commissioner of Transport and have activated all our ground staff and traffic personnel. Anyone found violating the provisions during checking will face strict action as per the Motor Vehicles Act." Mr Prasad shared that checks have already begun at multiple key locations within and around Shillong. "We are inspecting vehicles coming both from outside and within the city. We've deployed our traffic personnel at prime spots such as Mawlai, MES Junction, and tourist viewpoints. If anyone is found hiring or giving private vehicles without valid permits, action will be taken under Sections 182E and 207 of the MVI Act," he said. He further stated that unregistered services like Rapido will also fall under the purview of the new directive. "Rapido services not registered under the Transport Department will be covered under this action too," he said. The directive comes in the backdrop of the honeymoon murder, where a man, Raja, was allegedly murdered by his wife, Sonam, days after their marriage. Sonam's boyfriend, Raj, and his three friends helped orchestrate the murder. Raja and Sonam got married on May 11 and left for their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 20. A day later, they were in the capital city of Shillong. On May 22, they went out on Keating Road and rented a scooty, which they rode from Shillong to the tourist spot Sohra, also known as Cherrapunji. On May 23, after checking out from a homestay, the two reportedly went missing, and their rented vehicle was found abandoned in a village nearby. The scooty was not registered with the state authorities. After the horrific murder, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated that the government is revisiting the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, to bolster safety measures. He also announced that the Meghalaya Tourism App, which tracks tourist movement and transport usage, would be made mandatory for all accommodations for visitor registration.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'They may know more about the murder': Raja Raghuvanshi's kin demand narco test on Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, say duo's behaviour raises doubts
NEW DELHI: The investigation into Raja Raghuvanshi's murder has taken an unexpected direction as his family raises concerns about the testimonies of his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her alleged co-conspirators. According to Meghalaya Police's findings, Sonam and four others were responsible for Raja's death. In response, residents of Indore organised a candlelight vigil, seeking justice and a thorough investigation. Raja's brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, requested a narco test for the accused, citing suspicious behaviour during questioning. "The way Sonam and Raj are misleading the police is shocking. Once a narco test is done, it will be revealed how much Sonam is lying about it. How all the accused are lying indicates that they may know more about the murder." He further added, "I cannot talk to Sonam's parents yet. Why haven't they made any statements through the media? For instance, Raj claims Sonam has been tying Rakhi to Govind and him for three years. Doesn't her mother know this? Police need to question her parents. Why have you all hidden this from the media and police?" Another brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, who led the candlelight vigil in Indore, expressed the family's sorrow and determination to seek justice. "To get justice for Raja, I will go anywhere in the world... This candle march is organised so that Raja's soul may attain peace..." Meghalaya BJP President Rikman G Momin addressed the situation, defending the state's reputation. "The blame has already been placed on our state, so those who are blaming have to come and apologise to our state. Meghalaya is a safe and tourist-friendly state... Everyone can come to Meghalaya, and we receive everyone as our brothers and sisters. There is no difference; everyone is Indian, and we are Indians. We will work together. .. I salute the Meghalaya police for cracking this case..." The Meghalaya government plans to strengthen the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to enhance protection for residents and tourists. Minister Alexander Laloo Hek informed ANI about the cabinet's decision to implement tourist registration and install CCTV cameras at tourist locations, hotels, homestays, and lodges. Regarding the Scooty rental query, the minister stated, "For now, we don't know whether it's illegal or not, but it is being said that they have hired the Scooty from Shillong only." On Friday, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh commended the state police for their effective investigation, which resulted in apprehending five suspects, including Sonam Raghuvanshi.
NDTV
15-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Honeymoon Murder Case: Raja Raghuvanshi's Family Seeks Narco Test On Sonam, Others
Indore: The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi took a new turn after his family members raised serious questions about the statements given by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged accomplices. As per Meghalaya Police, Sonam and four others murdered Raja. In response, a candle march was carried out in Indore, demanding justice and a deeper investigation into the case. While speaking to ANI, Raja's brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, made a strong appeal for a narco test on the accused, stating that their behaviour during the probe raised doubts. "The way Sonam and Raj are misleading the police is shocking. Once a narco test is done, it will be revealed how much Sonam is lying about it. How all the accused are lying indicates that they may know more about the murder... I cannot talk to Sonam's parents yet. Why haven't they made any statements through the media? For instance, Raj claims Sonam has been typing Rakhi to Govind and him for three years. Doesn't her mother know this? Police need to question her parents. Why have you all hidden this from the media and police?" he told ANI. Meanwhile, Raja's brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, led the candle march in Indore, expressing the family's grief and their firm stand for justice. "To get justice for Raja, I will go anywhere in the world... This candle march is organised so that Raja's soul may attain peace..." he said. Meghalaya BJP President Rikman G Momin also reacted to the case. He condemned those who tried to defame the state of Meghalaya in the wake of the murder. "The blame has already been placed on our state, so those who are blaming have to come and apologise to our state. Meghalaya is a safe and tourist-friendly state... Everyone can come to Meghalaya, and we receive everyone as our brothers and sisters. There is no difference; everyone is Indian, and we are Indians. We will work together... I salute the Meghalaya police for cracking this case..." he said. According to Meghalaya Police, Sonam Raghuvanshi and four others were involved in the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, who had gone missing earlier. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government has decided to revisit the existing Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to strengthen the existing legislation to ensure the safety of state residents and tourists. Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek told ANI that during the cabinet meeting yesterday a very important decision was taken to revisit the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and the tourists coming to Meghalaya have to be registered. He said it has been decided to install CCTV cameras in tourist places in the state."We have also decided to install CCTV in all tourist places in Meghalaya as well as in hotels, homestays, lodges", he added. When asked about Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi hiring a Scooty from an illegal agency in Shillong, the minister said, "For now, we don't know whether it's illegal or not, but it is being said that they have hired the Scooty from Shillong only." Earlier on Friday, Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh praised the state police for their "efficient" investigation into the sensational Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, which led to the arrest of five accused, including the victim's wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.
