After Raja Raghuvanshi murder, Meghalaya makes tourist guides compulsory for East Khasi Hills treks

Dense forest of East Khasi Hills region in Meghalaya (AP/Representational image)

Tourists trekking in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district will now have to hire registered guides, authorities announced, following the high-profile murder of an Indore-based businessman during his honeymoon.

As per TimesNow, the decision, aimed at enhancing visitor safety, comes after the killing of Raja Raghuvanshi, whose body was found in a gorge in Sohra area of East Khasi Hills district on June 2.

Raja, who had married Sonam Raghuvanshi on May 11, went missing on May 23 while the couple was on honeymoon in Meghalaya. Sonam, along with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and three others, were arrested in connection with the murder. A property dealer, Silome James, was later detained for leasing a flat to one of the accused.

Even before Sonam turned herself in, social media was abuzz with criticism, branding the state as unsafe for tourists and damaging its image.

Rosetta M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner and head of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), issued an order stating, “In view of safety reasons, it is now mandatory for all tourists to take the services of a registered tourist guide while undertaking treks (and outdoor activities) in the area.”

The district, home to attractions like the double-decker living root bridge and numerous waterfalls, sees heavy footfall from trekkers. The district attracts more tourists than any other in Meghalaya and indeed, the entire northeast. TimesNow cited officials as saying that the rule would minimise risks such as injuries, getting lost, or criminal incidents in remote areas. Violators could face penalties or be denied access to trekking routes.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh noted that Meghalaya expects nearly two million visitors this year, with major events like the Cherry Blossom Festival lined up. The government plans to deploy more trained guides and involve local communities to enforce the new measure.