Meghalaya

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, 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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

In a chilling development, Sonam Raghuvanshi has confessed to her involvement in the murder conspiracy of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based businessman, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. However, police say the main mastermind behind the killing remains uncertain. According to Deputy Inspector General DNR Marak, Sonam, 24, has accused her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha of being the brains behind the plot, while Kushwaha has blamed Sonam for orchestrating the crime. “Both are pointing fingers at each other. We are yet to determine who planned the murder,” said Marak. Raja’s decomposed body was found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls in Sohra on June 2, ten days after he and Sonam were reported missing on May 23. The couple had stayed at a homestay in Nongriat, a popular tourist...

The East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police has revealed that the five accused in the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi made multiple attempts on his life before ultimately killing him in Sohra. According to the SP, detailed interrogation of three of the accused-Vishal Singh Chauhan, Anand Kurmi, and Akash Rajput-revealed that they were not contract killers. Instead, they were friends and a relative of Raj Kushwaha, and claimed they only helped Raj and Sonam Raghuvanshi in carrying out the murder, not for money but out of association. The police investigation uncovered that the conspiracy to eliminate Raja had been brewing since February this year. One early plan was to fake Sonam's disappearance by staging her drowning in a river. Another involved burning a woman and a scooty to fake Sonam...