SOHRA || Now that the mystery surrounding the death of Raja Raghuvanshi has made significant progress, with his “missing” wife Sonam surrendering to the police in Uttar Pradesh, residents of Sohra are voicing their anger, relief, and calls for justice, not just for the murder, but for what they call the “character assassination” of their community. For the people of Sohra, it wasn’t just a major breakthrough in the case, it was a burden lifted and dignity restored.
For days, national media and online narratives hinted that Meghalaya, specifically Sohra, might be behind the murder of the Indore-based businessman. Locals say they have been unfairly painted as criminals, murderers, savages and even human traffickers based on unverified speculation, and are calling it a case of outright xenophobia against the Khasi community.
Voices from Sohra
“They brought their crime here and blamed us,” said a resident angrily. “Our people are not killers. If they wanted to commit such a crime, why not do it in their own state? Instead, they defamed ours.”
From homestay owners to tea stall customers, the sentiment is shared: the accusations from national media and online personalities. Many said they feared the impact this would have on Sohra’s vital tourism economy. “This is our livelihood. Cement factories and coal mining have been shut down. What’s left is tourism,” said one homestay operator. “We welcome everyone, we look after them like family, but look how we were repaid.”
A group of women voiced outrage at being labelled “savages” and “murderers” by online trolls and media reports. “We never saw them as anything other than tourists,” said one. “We pity the man who died, but we are furious at the accusations. It was racist, and it was painful.”
A middle-aged man with decades in the tourism industry said the media and the families involved owe Meghalaya an apology. “Even now, the woman’s father is blaming the police, saying we’re hiding something. How can he still say that when the truth is out?”
There was also deep gratitude for the efforts of the Meghalaya Police. Many credited their quick action, especially given Sohra’s difficult terrain and weather conditions. “We want to thank the police, the local guides, the adventure clubs and everyone who helped crack the case,” voiced the people. “Without them, we would still be living under this cloud of suspicion.”
Some called for the state government to take legal action against those who spread misinformation. “We urge the Chief Minister to file defamation cases, especially against those who called our hills ‘crime-prone’ without evidence,” said one man.
Despite the damage to the region’s reputation, there is some reassurance: locals say most tourists have continued to arrive, with many expressing support and trust in the people of Sohra.
“They know we are good people. They tell us they don’t believe what the news said,” said a homestay owner. “That means a lot.”
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What the MLA has to say
Sohra MLA Gavin Mylliemngap has acknowledged the damage done to the region’s image. “The incident has tainted Sohra’s name, but the way the police cracked the case within a week has restored pride,” he said.
On the surrender of the one of the prime accused – Sonam in Uttar Pradesh, the MLA said, “The law will take its course. Such incidents that stain the image of the state must be condemned.” He also urged the state government to take legal action, including defamation cases, against media houses and individuals who spread misinformation and tarnished Meghalaya’s reputation without verifying facts.
Still, residents say the story is far from over. Justice, they insist, isn’t only about solving a murder—it’s about confronting the prejudice that allowed an entire community to be vilified overnight.
(Edited by Ibalarishisha Syiem)
