Meghalaya to tighten resident safety law after Sohra honeymoon murder

The Meghalaya government has decided to amend and strengthen its existing resident safety law following the shocking honeymoon murder in Sohra. In a cabinet meeting held on Friday, the state resolved to give more power to the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, to prevent the entry of criminal elements posing as tourists.

This decision comes after the brutal murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, who was allegedly killed by his wife Sonam and her lover during their honeymoon trip. The case exposed significant security loopholes in tourist screening and prompted public outrage over safety risks in the state.

Cabinet spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh stated that a formal proposal to upscale MRSSA is underway. He emphasized that while the law already contains strong provisions, including ID verification via a tourism app, additional safeguards are needed, especially since Meghalaya is a transit point to other northeastern states.

The government has also reiterated its push for the Inner Line Permit system, with a resolution already pending before the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The cabinet acknowledged the swift police response in cracking the murder case and arresting the accused, calling it a necessary step to restore public confidence.