In the wake of the recent high-profile murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi in Sohra (Cherrapunji), the Meghalaya government has tightened regulations around tourist accommodation and travel within the state. The incident, which led to the arrest of Raja’s wife Sonam, her alleged partner Raj Kushwaha, and three others, has raised serious concerns about tourist safety and tracking mechanisms in the region.
To prevent such crimes and enhance accountability, the Meghalaya government has now made it compulsory for all homestays, resorts, and even private landlords to register guests through the official state tourism app. According to reports, this app is directly linked to the local police database, allowing real-time monitoring and verification. State Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh says that around 60 per cent of accommodation units have already adopted the app, and the rest are being directed to follow suit without delay.
Importantly, this mandate doesn’t just apply to formal tourist accommodations. Private individuals who rent out rooms or apartments to paying guests are also required to register their tenants. Failure to do so could lead to legal consequences, especially if any criminal activity involves unregistered guests.
In addition to registration measures, the government has banned renting private vehicles to tourists for self-driving. This is aimed at improving regulation, especially in remote and ecologically sensitive areas where untracked vehicle movement can be a concern.
Besides this, the state is also set to revisit and strengthen the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, which was introduced to monitor the inflow of people into the state. This move seeks to give authorities more enforcement power to ensure public safety and deter crime.
These steps reflect Meghalaya’s growing focus on balancing tourism with safety and regulation, especially as the state continues to draw increasing numbers of domestic and international travellers. While these measures may seem strict, they are intended to reassure visitors and locals alike, ensuring that Meghalaya remains a safe and welcoming destination.
(With inputs from multiple reports)
