Govt directs hoteliers, homestays to maintain proper records of tourists visiting Meghalaya: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 9, 2025

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Monday said the government has directed all homestay owners and hoteliers to maintain proper records and registration of tourists visiting the state.

This came following the recent murder of a newlywed tourist from Indore, Raja Raghuvanshi at Sohra.

“I am not saying that we don’t have a mechanism in the state. We do have. Of course I am not saying it is hundred percent perfect. We will strengthen further where there are the areas that need to be strengthened. In fact, instructions have been given from the tourism department relating to registration of those tourists and we have already directed all homestay owners or hoteliers to make sure that a proper registration is done. We have told them very clearly that they should have a proper registration with all names and details (of the tourists),” Tynsong told reporters.

“In fact, we also have an Act in place. The Tourism Act has already been initiated and through the Act they can send these documents to the concerned police station or to the SP or to wherever necessary,” he said while asserting the need for all stakeholders including dorbar shnong to be part of the entire process.

Tynsong said following sustained investigative efforts and multi-state coordination, three individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case – two from Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and one from Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh).

“These arrests mark a decisive development in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Raja Raghuvanshi and the subsequent disappearance of his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi,” he said.

“In a further development, Sonam Raghuvanshi has voluntarily surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, and is currently in the safe custody of the Uttar Pradesh police. Necessary legal protocols are being followed for her transit and formal statement,” Tynsong informed.

The deputy chief minister said this outcome is the result of round-the-clock efforts by the Meghalaya police’s special investigation team (SIT), supported by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local intelligence units, and law enforcement agencies across multiple states.

Despite geographical and logistical challenges, and sustained public and media scrutiny, our teams remained steadfast in their commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“We take this moment to reaffirm that the Meghalaya police is committed to delivering justice with integrity, professionalism, and perseverance. We are deeply grateful to the families, the citizens of Meghalaya, and our inter-state counterparts for their cooperation and support throughout this complex investigation. Further updates will be shared as the legal proceedings advance,” he said.

“We respectfully urge the media and the public to allow the process of justice to take its course and to refrain from speculation,” Tynsong further added.

Asked if the government would file a defamation case against those maligning the image of the state, Tynsong said, “That we will see how to go about it as right now please don’t come to any conclusion since the real investigation has just started.”

He however admitted that the government was deeply hurt by the comments on social media and news reports by national media treating Meghalaya as a “den of criminals”.

“But I personally take it maybe because out of emotions, out of desperation may be they could not control themselves, maybe they just talk without any sense at all,” he stated.

Stating that Meghalaya is very safe for tourists, Tynsong said, “Our police force is one of the best in the country, I think you have seen it and we have proved it and not only that you remember 15 years down the line that you knew militancy and how we handle things. Our police is one of the best. We don’t need army or central forces from the Centre but we handled it ourselves. Therefore, what I would like to appeal to every person in India or outside India please don’t take this news be it in social media or national news or state news as it is not at all a fact and Meghalaya is safe and right now I should say the tourists are flowing into Meghalaya on daily basis. I am very sure through the successful operation by Meghalaya police will further encourage others to keep visiting Meghalaya and Shillong,” he added.