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What began as a joyful honeymoon for newlyweds Raja and Sonam Raghuwanshi has turned into a tragic mystery that has shocked the nation and sparked demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

The couple, who had travelled from Indore to Shillong on May 22, went missing just a day later near Osara Hills, close to the picturesque Cherrapunji. Now, more than two weeks later, Raja’s decomposed body has been recovered, and police have confirmed he was brutally murdered. Sonam remains missing.

Family Demands CBI Investigation

Outside the Raghuwanshi residence in Indore, a large poster bearing the couple’s photograph has drawn widespread public attention. The message reads: “The soul of Raja appeals to the Central and State Governments – I didn’t die, I was killed. Let the CBI investigate.” The haunting message has added a chilling twist to what initially appeared to be a tragic accident.

Alarmed by their sudden disappearance, the couple’s relatives tried to contact them repeatedly. When efforts failed, some family members travelled to Shillong in a desperate attempt to find them. Their search proved unsuccessful, prompting a return to Indore, where they approached local authorities for help.

Soon after, police located the couple’s rented scooter, abandoned under suspicious circumstances. The discovery heightened fears for the couple’s safety. After 11 agonizing days, Raja’s body was found in a deep gorge. His identity was confirmed by a tattoo of his name on his hand.

Suspicion grew as Sonam remained untraceable. The family strongly suspects foul play, believing the couple may have been abducted, robbed, and murdered.

In a major development, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed Raja had been murdered. “The post-mortem report confirms that Raja Raghuwanshi died due to injuries inflicted by a ‘dao’ – a traditional machete-like weapon,” said the SP. “We have recovered the victim’s mobile phone as well as the weapon used in the crime. This is clearly a case of murder – there is no doubt about it.”

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to lead the probe. Raja's brother, Vipin Raghuwanshi, voiced the family’s concerns and demand for justice. “We are demanding a CBI investigation into the case. Raja’s body was found nearly 25 kilometers away from where their scooter was parked. We strongly suspect that he was kidnapped and taken to Wei Sawdong Falls,” he said. “It is not possible that my brother and his wife died by suicide. We believe this is a case of abduction, robbery and murder.”

As public outrage builds and more questions emerge, the grieving family continues its fight for a thorough and impartial investigation. The poster outside their home stands as a stark reminder that justice, for now, remains elusive.