Wednesday, June 18

Meghalaya

Meghalaya Police trace Indore hideout of Sonam in Raja Raghuvanshi murder case
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Police trace Indore hideout of Sonam in Raja Raghuvanshi murder case

In a major breakthrough in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, the Meghalaya Police team on Tuesday traced a rented flat in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where the main accused and wife of the deceased, Sonam, is believed to have taken shelter after allegedly orchestrating the murder of her husband during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The hideout was located in the Dewas Naka area of Indore, following credible inputs received by police. Local officials confirmed that the Meghalaya team inspected the premises and gathered initial evidence linking Sonam to the flat, rented soon after the crime. “We received information that after the murder, Sonam stayed here briefly before travelling to Uttar Pradesh, where she was later arrested,” a local police officer told PTI. According to sources, the flat...
‘Red alert’ issued in Assam and Meghalaya due to the possibility of very heavy rainfall
assam, Meghalaya

‘Red alert’ issued in Assam and Meghalaya due to the possibility of very heavy rainfall

The 'red alert' was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday for Assam and Meghalaya due to the possibility of exceptionally heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning during the next two days. There will be a 'orange alert' on Friday, indicating that the bad weather will continue, and the notice will be in force for Wednesday and Thursday. Based on information provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the warning has caused both states to take preventative action in order to protect the population. In a statement, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) advised residents to be vigilant, refrain from needless travel, and stock up on necessities like candles and medications, particularly those living in low-lying or landslide-prone areas. ASDM...
Meghalaya organizes its first-ever health summit to improve healthcare delivery
Meghalaya

Meghalaya organizes its first-ever health summit to improve healthcare delivery

The state's continuous efforts to fortify its healthcare ecosystem took a major stride ahead at the inaugural Meghalaya Health Summit. The conference brought together health sector stakeholders and provided a forum for substantive discussion on important health issues, new technology, and ways to enhance service delivery, especially in rural regions. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the state's dedication to revolutionizing healthcare service in his remarks during the conference. He pointed out that the sessions clarified urgent problems like diabetes and cancer, highlighting the significance of data-driven research in successfully addressing these health challenges. The summit's main goal was to increase cooperation, particularly in bridging the gap between access to technol...
Sonam Raghuvanshi sent for mental health check in murder case
Meghalaya

Sonam Raghuvanshi sent for mental health check in murder case

Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, was taken to the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (MIMHANS) for a psychiatric evaluation on Monday. According to East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem, the evaluation was a routine procedure carried out based on a doctor’s recommendation. “It was done to ensure she is mentally sound and not showing any signs of depression while in police custody,” Syiem told reporters. He clarified that no unusual behavior had been observed, and the checkup was standard protocol. Sonam is in police custody along with her alleged lover, Raj Singh Kushwaha, and his three friends — Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi. All five were arrested from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in connectio...
Tura bypass gets Rs 951 cr sanction to ease traffic, boost trade in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

Tura bypass gets Rs 951 cr sanction to ease traffic, boost trade in Meghalaya

The Central government has sanctioned ₹951.27 crore for the construction of a 29.03-km long Tura Bypass, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving regional connectivity in the Garo Hills region. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, signaling the Centre’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure in the Northeast. The upcoming two-lane bypass with paved shoulders will link National Highway 127B at Sanchonggre village with National Highway 217 at Jenggitchakgre village, bypassing the congested Tura town. Tura, the administrative headquarters of West Garo Hills, has long struggled with heavy traffic, narrow internal roads, and slow movement of goods and commuters. The new bypass is expected to provide a long-term solution b...
Meghalaya Govt prohibits use of private vehicles for rental services
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Govt prohibits use of private vehicles for rental services

The Transport Department has issued a public notice strictly prohibiting the renting of private two-wheelers and four-wheelers for commercial purposes in Meghalaya. The notification comes in the wake of a police investigation into the murder of Indore native Raja Raghuvanshi, revealing that he, along with his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and the three accused in the alleged murder of Raja, had rented two-wheelers from Shillong to travel to Sohra and commit the crime. “This is to inform the general public that engaging in the business of renting out private two-wheelers and four-wheelers for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited in the State of Meghalaya,” stated David D. Sangma, Commissioner of Transport, in the notice issued on June 13. Sangma clarified that rent-a-motorcycle or rent-a...
Meghalaya govt imposes restrictions on holding rallies within 200 metres of secretariat
Meghalaya

Meghalaya govt imposes restrictions on holding rallies within 200 metres of secretariat

The East Khasi Hills district administration on Friday imposed restrictions on holding rallies and demonstrations within 200 metres of the Meghalaya secretariat building, additional secretariat building and Raj Bhavan here, officials said. The order came hours after members of pro-ILP activists staged a rally in front of the secretariat earlier in the day demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit in the state. "...such demonstration, if allowed to be held, will cause obstruction, hinder the movement of traffic and lead to crowding and congestion and may also result in disturbance of public peace and tranquillity," an order issued by East Khasi Hills district Commissioner RM Kurbah stated.
Shillong bans rallies near key government buildings
Meghalaya

Shillong bans rallies near key government buildings

In the wake of a protest demanding Inner Line Permit (ILP) implementation, the East Khasi Hills district administration has imposed a ban on rallies, demonstrations, and gatherings within 200 metres of key government buildings in Shillong. The restriction applies to the Meghalaya Secretariat, Additional Secretariat, and Raj Bhavan, according to an order issued by District Commissioner R.M. Kurbah on Friday. The decision follows a rally earlier in the day by pro-ILP activists held right in front of the Secretariat, drawing large crowds and raising security concerns. The DC said such gatherings obstruct traffic, lead to crowding, and may disturb public peace and law and order. “Demonstrations in such sensitive areas can cause inconvenience and pose a potential threat to safety,” the offi...
Meghalaya invests over 270 acres in land leasing to support tourism projects
Meghalaya

Meghalaya invests over 270 acres in land leasing to support tourism projects

By leasing 273 acres of underutilized property to the tourist department, the Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a major effort to boost the state's tourism industry. Meghalaya Electric Corporation Ltd. and its affiliates control this land, which is close to the charming Umiam Lake. The lease has a 60-year term with a 30-year extension option. Paul Lyngdoh, the cabinet spokesperson and minister of tourism, revealed the idea to generate revenue from this area through a number of tourism initiatives. The tourist department organizes new projects, such as lake cruise services and five-star hotels. Following recommendations from the government, several projects are expected to start within the next year. By utilizing the natural beauty of the Umiam Lake region, this calculated approach is anti...
Meghalaya concludes District Nutrition Leadership Workshop; Chief Minister announces convergent action plan
Meghalaya

Meghalaya concludes District Nutrition Leadership Workshop; Chief Minister announces convergent action plan

The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), successfully concluded the two-day District Nutrition Leadership Workshop in Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong on June 12–13, 2025. The workshop convened Ministers, senior officials, Deputy Commissioners, Block Development Officers, District Officials representing Health, Social Welfare, C&RD (MSRLS) Education and allied Departments under the Human Development Council (HDC) from across all 12 districts to strengthen leadership, data-based planning, and decentralised actions to tackle malnutrition in Meghalaya. In his keynote address, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the importance of having a shared purpose and collective vision across departments when addr...