Sonam Raghuvanshi Case & the Question of Travel Safety in North-East India

As we are all well aware now of the notorious Sonam Raghuvanshi murder case involving her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya that has sparked national debate; the burning question on everyone's mind these days is - “Is Northeast India safe for travelers?” Here's a detailed breakdown of the case and its impact on tourism and livelihood on the region.

A Tragic Crime That Shook the Nation:

There's  no doubt that the Sonam Raghuvanshi murder case sent shockwaves throughout the nation. What began as a honeymoon trip to the scenic landscapes of Meghalaya ended in tragedy, when Raja Raghuvanshi’s decomposed body was found days later in a remote gorge. As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that his wife Sonam, was allegedly the mastermind behind the murder. But what unfolded meanwhile; between the days of the couple reported missing and the ultimate apprehension of Sonam Raghuvanshi at a roadside dhaba on the Varanasi Gorakhpur highway was something that has always been lurking beneath the surface. The deep sense of prejudice nurtured by the general mainland populace, including national media, was an eye opener which attempted to tarnish the state's reputation.

This has led to a renewed focus on travel safety in Northeast India, a region otherwise known for its peace, hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The Allegations levied against Meghalaya and North-East India:

In the aftermath of the Sonam Raghuvanshi murder case, several allegations and public sentiments—both direct and implied—were levied against Meghalaya and the broader North eastern region. Stereotyping of Northeast India as lawless or unsafe, some media reports and public reactions implicitly painted the Northeast as a region where tourist safety is questionable and criminal activity and drug use is rampant, despite the fact that this case was driven by motives from outside the region.
The perpetrators weren’t locals as many wanted to believe and came from outside the state, taking advantage of its openness and warm hospitality.
Blaming the region was a form of racial and regional profiling and similar crimes in metros do not lead to the same geographic stigmatization.

How the Murder Case Affects Travel Perception in North-East India:

This high-profile murder has significantly impacted the perception of tourist safety in Meghalaya and other North Eastern states. Though the incident was a personal crime, many media narratives have unintentionally cast doubt on the region's overall safety labelling it “crime prone.” Concerns over safety and travel as a couple to remote locations are raised as to whether accommodations and off beat tourist destinations are adequately policed? What protections exist for travelers in remote areas like Cherrapunji where the heinous crime was carried out?

Historically speaking, states like Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim have always been a culturally rich and welcoming region. Despite their remote terrain,most of these states remain largely peaceful and safe. Local communities and government organizations actively advocate for respectful engagement and responsible tourism which sees a huge influx every season.

The murder case has sparked national outrage and immediate backlash with businesses seeing high cancellations to the region and others questioning the safety protocols in states that had nothing to do with the crime. It is pertinent to understand that many of these states are tourism-dependent and sensitive to travel trends which in turn directly impact revenue for stakeholders. False narratives and unverified reports amplified by social and national media have portrayed the region in a negative light. It triggered regional fears and led many to conclude a marital homicide with communal peril. This underscores how an isolated crime can dangerously skew perceptions, especially in lesser-understood areas where one has probably never set foot in their lives !                                                                                                                                                          
This has led to travel agencies temporarily suspending bookings and locals calling for bolstered regulation and policing of remote tourist areas by issuing permits, and more cctv surveillance etc alongside investing in tourism infrastructure.

Reaffirming Safety & Responsible Travel:

Despite the tragedy, most parts of North-East India remain safe for visitors. Authorities and community groups have stepped up local law enforcement presence in tourist hubs and have enhanced crisis-response capacity.Steps are taken to encourage  traveler awareness by handing out  advisories, telling them to stick to known routes, keeping emergency contacts, and respecting local norms. Communities across Meghalaya organized peaceful protests. In Shillong and Sohra, youth groups held placards emphasizing that this isolated incident shouldn’t define the region, while advocating for visitor regulation through measures like the Inner Line Permit (ILP).


Personal Testimonial: 
As a woman living and working in a remote corner of the country, in Gangtok, tucked in the Eastern Himalayas for the past six years; in my own experience I have never tasted freedom the way I have in Sikkim than anywhere else. I have had considerable experience living and working outside the state, given that I completed my Masters in Kolkata and lived and worked there for close to a decade. I have also had stints working in Goa and Maharashtra but none afforded me the true emancipation of walking the streets alone (even after nightfall), eating out alone at a cafe or restaurant or walking up to a liquor store and buying a bottle of wine without any judgement !
To a male audience these may be privileges which we often take for granted, like getting home safe and sound after a girls night out with a couple of drinks downed. The fear and worry that the local taxi driver might take advantage of our inebriated state never crossed my mind. I couldn’t say the same about other places that I lived in and always had to exercise caution - where to go, when to go, with whom to go, how to go and what to wear and go !

It is in small subtle ways like these that Gangtok as a city is so much more evolved and mature than compared to large metros with a sizable erudite population. The freedom of being invisible, of going unnoticed while you eat, walk, shop, drink or just stand at a stoppage waiting for your ride. The fact that no one will even bat an eyelid while you exist (whether fully decked up like a christmas tree or not !) is something I wish every woman in this country gets to experience once. The feeling of safety and security in your own being that comes with it, is priceless. There are no catcalls or roadside romeos hanging around street corners and railings, whistling old 90s bollywood tunes and scratching themselves or the lecherous male gaze that follows around making you uncomfortable going around your daily tasks.

Conclusion:

So to respond to the question that was presented at the beginning of this blog post - the answer is a resounding YES ! Yes, the North East states including Meghalaya is a much safer option for travelers in India as compared to other regions. States like Sikkim are consistently considered one of the safest in India for women, solo travelers etc with the best gender equality. Nagaland on the other hand has the lowest per capita crime rate in the country. A point to note is that although many of these regions may not be as modernized as other parts of the Indian mainland, yet the tribals and natives of the place have been far more civilized and disciplined in terms of following the law, living in harmony and caring about their environment and surroundings or discrimination based on gender, caste or religious ideals.  

It is safe to assume that the allegations against Meghalaya and Northeast India were largely unfair and overgeneralized. The region continues to be safe for tourists, and the incident has sparked valuable discussions on better regulation and infrastructure—not condemnation.
Going forward, balanced storytelling, policy improvements, and proactive tourism management can restore traveler trust while preserving the cultural wealth and natural allure of the Northeast. 

Written by Prerna S
Prerna, a seasoned travel & hospitality expert, isn't just a writer – she's a curator of experiences. Leading OurGuest's operations at The Barfung Retreat, she leverages her extensive background at Taj, Hyatt, ITC, and more. A Master's graduate in English Literature, Prerna's passion for storytelling is fueled by her childhood spent traversing India with her police officer father. Fluent in Bengali, Hindi, English, and Nepali, she fosters genuine connections across cultures. Join Prerna as she unveils the hidden gems and vibrant soul of Northeast India, one captivating story at a time.
 

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