Meghalaya sees tourist surge as state clears its name in murder probe: Minister

Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Friday praised the state police for swiftly solving the high-profile murder of tourist Raja Raghuvanshi within a week, asserting that the breakthrough has helped restore the state’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.

“Now that Meghalaya’s name has been cleared and our police’s efficiency has been proven, more tourists are flocking to the state,” Lyngdoh said, highlighting the positive impact of the case’s resolution on public perception and tourism. “We have a police force that could solve such a sensational murder case in just seven days,” he added.

Raghuvanshi, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh, was found murdered earlier this month in a case that drew national media attention and raised concerns over tourist safety in the Northeast. However, Meghalaya Police acted swiftly and arrested those responsible within a week, earning praise from across the board.

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Speaking to the press, Lyngdoh revealed that the state Cabinet had an informal discussion on acknowledging the police department’s role in cracking the case. “Later, we will have a formal ceremony where the Director General of Police (DGP) and senior officers will honour the investigating team,” he said.

The minister further stated that this incident had not only demonstrated the capability of Meghalaya’s law enforcement but had also countered negative stereotypes. “It has given Meghalaya and the entire Northeast a major boost because now we have proved to the rest of the world that we are crime-free and tourist-friendly, not crime-prone as was being projected,” Lyngdoh said.

Officials said a detailed review of the state’s overall security scenario would also take place soon, with further steps expected to reinforce safety for both residents and visitors.

The case and its timely resolution have sparked renewed confidence in Meghalaya’s law and order machinery and boosted the morale of the tourism sector, which had been facing scrutiny after the incident.