Meghalaya has now made it compulsory for tourists to hire authorised guides while trekking in the East Khasi Hills district. The step was taken to ensure visitor safety, especially after a recent tragic incident shook the region’s reputation as a peaceful travel destination.
The move comes in the wake of the shocking murder of a tourist from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The man, Raja Raghuvanshi, was killed by his wife, Sonam, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Initially, both were reported missing, but the truth emerged after the woman surrendered to the police. The murder took place at a secluded viewpoint near the Wei Sawdong falls—an area that is one of the most visited in the northeast.
As news of the “honeymoon murder case” spread on social media, many users began questioning the safety of traveling to Meghalaya and the northeast. Some online posts painted the entire region as unsafe for tourists, which led to fear and confusion among potential travellers.
Tourism businesses in the area were directly affected. A resort owner from Cherrapunjee (Sohra) shared with NDTV, “Not a lot, but we got a few cancellations right after the incident occurred. A lot of people were worried about their safety and security, and asked us whether it’s safe to go outside. We had to reassure them that it is completely safe to travel here.”
Officials clarified that the crime was not linked to any local danger but was a personal matter between the couple. Still, to prevent future incidents and ensure a safe experience, especially in remote areas, the district administration decided to make certified guides mandatory for trekking activities.
Tourism plays a major role in Meghalaya’s economy, and this new rule aims to protect both tourists and the reputation of this beautiful region.
