Shillong, May 28: Cabinet minister AL Hek reviewed search operations which will extend to the gorges in Sohra (Cherrapunjee) to trace the missing Indore couple
Hek visited Sohra on Wednesday to oversee the search and rescue operations for the husband-wife duo from Madhya Pradesh.
The following briefing was provided to Hek by the Sohra Civil Sub Division Additional Deputy Commissioner
Case Summary
On the 22th May 2025, the tourist couple arrived at Mawlakhiat village (Elaka
Mynteng) on a rented scooty to visit the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat. They
engaged a local guide, Mr. Bha Wansai, and stayed overnight at Shipara Homestay in
Nongriat. They checked out at 06:00 on the 23rd May 2025, intending to return to
Mawlakhiat.
No confirmed sighting
No confirmed sightings of the couple trekking from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat or retrieving their scooty from the Mawlakhiat parking lot were reported, despite heavy tourist activity.
On 24 May 2025, at 9:00 pm, the Sordar of Sohrarim reported an abandoned scooty. It was traced to the couple via E-Challan on 25 May 2025 at 2:30 pm. An FIR in, filed by relatives, has been registered.
Recent developments
Luggage Located:
On the 22nd May 2025, the couple left their luggage at Manha Homestay, Saitsohpen, Sohra, due to no vacancies and heavy rainfall, providing their name and phone number before proceeding to look for accommodation.
However it was learnt later that they had proceeded to Nongriat. The luggage has been opened along with the relatives but revealed no clues.
No confirmed sightings
No verified reports confirm the couple’s movements from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat or use of the scooty from the parking lot.
Search operations
As of 28 May 2025, three search and rescue teams, supported by K9 units, drones from
NESAC, and Special Operations Team (SOT) personnel, have been deployed to:
Nongriat-Pyndemdkhar-Mawlakhiat
Mawsahew-Wahkaliar Weisawdong areas.
The search will extend to the gorges along Mawkdok, Umdiengpoh, and up to
Sohra Rim along the Shillong-Sohra Road. Local communities are also being canvassed
for witness reports and Block Development
Officers have been asked to instruct all field staff to do the same.
Briefing to minister
Hek was briefed on the case
details, recent developments, and the scope of the search operations. He reviewed the deployment of K9 units, drones, and SOT personnel, as well as the extended search areas. The minister emphasized the urgency of a thorough and expedited search to locate the missing couple”.
