Meghalaya Implements New Tourist Registration Rules Following Shocking Murder Case

New Regulations for Tourist Accommodations in Meghalaya

Shillong: In response to the shocking murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi in Indore, the Meghalaya government has mandated that all homestays, resorts, and private landlords must keep a record of their guests. This directive was announced by officials on Wednesday.

A senior representative from the Meghalaya Tourism Department stated that the government has ordered all accommodation providers to register their visitors and collect essential information.

The official mentioned, "The government will ensure that all homestays and lodging facilities are required to register tourists and guests through a tourism app, which is already utilized by about 60% of accommodation providers."

Failure to comply with this registration requirement will be considered a legal violation, placing responsibility on the accommodation owner.

Additionally, the state has introduced restrictions on tourists hiring private vehicles for self-driving during their stay.

On June 13, the Meghalaya government decided to enhance existing laws aimed at safeguarding residents and preventing criminal elements from masquerading as tourists.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh indicated that the council of ministers, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, agreed to review the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) of 2016, with plans to introduce stricter measures to deter criminal activities.

This initiative follows the tragic murder of 28-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed during his honeymoon in the Sohra-Cherrapunji region of East Khasi Hills. His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, 24, and her alleged accomplice, Raj Singh Kushwaha, 21, are suspected of orchestrating the crime.

Raja and Sonam went missing on May 23 after leaving a homestay in Nongriat village. The couple had wed in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on May 11 and arrived in Meghalaya on May 20 for their honeymoon, where Raja was murdered and his body disposed of in a gorge.

Sonam, along with four other suspects—Kushwaha, Anand Singh Kurmi, 23, Akash Rajput, 19, and Vishal Singh Chauhan, 22—will appear in the District and Sessions Court in Shillong on Thursday after spending eight days in police custody. Authorities are expected to request an extension of their custody.