Meghalaya

ED undertakes 1st-ever raids in Meghalaya as part of money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in Meghalaya as part of a money laundering probe into alleged misappropriation of funds at the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), officials said. These are the maiden raids undertaken by the federal probe agency's sub zonal office located in Shillong after registering a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the state. The agency has conducted similar action in the state as part of cases registered in other states. At least five premises in Tura under the West Garo Hills district were raided, the officials said. The probe relates to the alleged non-execution of developmental works and the misappropriation of funds allocated for the development of the Asanang constituency under the GHADC. According to officials, out of a total allocation of Rs 28.66 crore, members of the committee, in collusion with certain contractors, "diverted" and "misused" the funds in contraventi

Fresh probe ordered into missing 4,000 MT of illegal coal: Meghalaya govt

The Meghalaya government has informed the high court that it has ordered a fresh inspection of coal dump sites in two villages in South West Khasi Hills district, after nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal, detected in an aerial survey, could not be accounted for during ground verification. A final report is expected within a month, the state government told the Meghalaya High Court through an affidavit on Monday. The direction followed a probe initiated by the district deputy commissioner, in compliance with a July 24 high court order in connection with a PIL filed in 2022. A three-member committee, comprising senior district officials, had been constituted to investigate the discrepancy. "It is highly improbable for nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of coal to disappear without detection," the committee stated in its report. It attributed the discrepancy to the region's difficult terrain and environmental conditions, noting that the errors were the result of unintentional

Former Meghalaya CM DD Lapang passes away at 93; state funeral on Sept 15

Veteran politician and four-time Meghalaya Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, fondly known as 'Maheh', died in a hospital here, his family said. He was 93, and is survived by his wife Amethyst Lynda Jones Blah and two children. The Meghalaya government will accord a state funeral to the former chief minister on Monday, officials said. Lapang had been suffering from age-related ailments for a prolonged period, and he breathed his last at the hospital on Friday evening, his family said. Former MP and Congress leader Vincent H Pala was at the hospital when Lapang breathed his last. People from all walks of life, including politicians and common people, visited the hospital and later, his Nongpoh residence to pay their respects. Born on April 10, 1932, Lapang entered politics by winning the Nongpoh seat in the 1972 assembly elections as an Independent candidate. He went on to serve as the chief minister of the northeastern state on four occasions between 1992 and 2010. A lifelo

Meghalaya cabinet clears excise rule changes, accepts MeECL inquiry report

The Meghalaya cabinet on Thursday approved amendments to the state's excise rules, a move expected to generate an additional Rs 90 crore in revenue, officials said. The cabinet also accepted the independent inquiry committee report on Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited and gave its nod for the financial closure of major central power schemes. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the amendments were aimed at making the state more competitive with neighbouring states. "We want our rates and pricing to reflect market realities. This will make us more attractive to consumers and increase our revenue," he told reporters after the meeting. On the power sector, the CM said the cabinet has accepted the independent inquiry committee report on MeECL covering procurement, AT&C losses and HR management. "We have directed the power department to take steps to implement the recommendations. The report will also be uploaded on the government website to ensure full transparency," he said. The .

Meghalaya murder: State police chargesheet Sonam Raghuvanshi, 8 others

Meghalaya Police have filed a chargesheet against eight people, including Sonam, in connection with the sensational murder of her husband, Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon to Sohra in May this year, an officer said. Police submitted a 790-page chargesheet, supported by material evidence and enclosures, before the court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sohra Sub-Division on Friday, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills district, Vivke Syiem said in a statement. According to police, Raja Raghuvanshi of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and his wife Sonam had travelled to Shillong on May 21 before heading to Sohra. On May 26, the couple were reported missing, prompting a massive search operation by Sohra police, the Special Operations Team (SOT), NDRF, SDRF, trekking groups and local villagers. After days of intensive search, the body of Raja Raghuvanshi was recovered on June 2 from a deep gorge at Arliang Riat Kunongrim, Umblai, near the famous Wei

Meghalaya CM eyes $16 billion economy by 2032, unveils roadmap for 2047

Meghalaya is on track to achieve its goal of becoming a USD 16 billion economy by 2032 when the state will turn 60, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Friday. Addressing the Independence Day event here, he also said that by 2047, the year marking India's 100th year of independence, Meghalaya aims to be a USD 100 billion economy and among the country's top 10 states in per capita income state and Sustainable Development Goals. The CM also highlighted progress in law and order, including advancement in the Assam-Meghalaya border settlement, adoption of e-Sakshya, e-FIR, and expansion of forensic capabilities. "By 2047, when we celebrate 75 years of statehood, we aspire for a viksit (developed) Meghalaya', a USD 100 billion economy among India's top 10 states in per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals," he said. The state has provided over 5.39 lakh rural households with tap water connections, up from fewer than 4,500 in 2019, covering 82.84 per cent of village homes,

Meghalaya Catholic body urges Chhattisgarh CM to act over arrest of 2 nuns

An association of Catholic Christians in Meghalaya's Shillong has written to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, expressing concerns over the arrest of two nuns for allegedly being involved in human trafficking and religious conversion, and claiming that the charges against them were "baseless" and "falsely framed". Nuns Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, along with Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at the Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh on July 25, following a complaint by a local Bajrang Dal functionary, who accused them of forcibly converting three women from the state's tribal-majority Narayanpur district and trafficking them. The Catholic Association of Shillong (CAS), Meghalaya, headed by former Congress MP Vincent H Pala, claimed that the arrested persons were "only accompanying three young women, all above 18 years of age, with the full consent of their parents, for job opportunities". "Their work is in service to humanity, ..

Rain may have washed it away: Meghalaya minister on 4K tonnes missing coal

As the Meghalaya High Court pulled up the state government over the disappearance of over 4,000 tonnes of coal, a minister on Monday claimed that heavy rain in the state might have washed it away. The high court has directed the state government to take action against officials under whose watch the coal went missing. Speaking to reporters, Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla said, "Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall. You never know... because of rain, the coal might have swept away. Chances are very high." The high court had on July 25 pulled up the state government over the vanishing of coal from Rajaju and Diengngan villages and instructed it to trace those responsible for lifting the coal illegally. The minister, however, clarified that he was not trying to justify the disappearance, and admitted there was no conclusive evidence yet to determine whether the loss was due to natural causes or any illegal activity. "I cannot blame just the rain. It could be or it could not be. I .

4,000 tonnes of illegally mined coal vanish in Meghalaya; HC seeks answers

The Meghalaya HC noted that the missing stock of 4,000 MT coal had earlier been surveyed and recorded, yet 'unidentified persons' managed to lift and move it, exposing failures in ground-level enforce

Meghalaya govt sets up real estate regulatory authority under 'Rera Act'

The Meghalaya government has notified the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to regulate the state's emerging real estate sector and ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection, officials said on Saturday. The Authority is being established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Officials said the authority aims to promote fair practices, protect homebuyers' interests, resolve disputes efficiently, and boost investor confidence by streamlining project approvals and enforcing compliance. RERA Meghalaya oversees the registration of real estate projects, promoters, and agents, and ensures adherence to the provisions of the Act and rules framed thereunder. It also includes an adjudication mechanism for timely dispute resolution and regulatory oversight. The Authority functions as an independent statutory body with a full-time chairman and two members. RERA Meghalaya has urged all developers, promoters, and real estate agents operating in the stat

FM Sitharaman lauds Meghalaya's inclusive growth, women's empowerment

Reflecting on her visit to the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi and her engagements in Shillong, she highlighted how Meghalaya's development journey reflects the spirit of PM's vision of Viksit Bharat

FM Sitharaman hails Meghalaya's growth, praises full use of SASCI funds

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday praised Meghalaya's progress under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, calling the state a model of effective and purposeful development. She highlighted the state's exemplary utilisation of its entire allocation of Rs 5,400 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), setting an example for other states to follow. Speaking at a programme, Sitharaman said, "While some states are unable to fully utilise their shares, Meghalaya has effectively used its entire allocation to build capital assets. I will put on record my appreciation of Meghalaya's efforts." She reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to the Northeastern region, adding, "The government looks at the region as one to empower, act, strengthen and transform." The FM also pointed out key development achievements in the state, including the construction of over 540 km of roads and a five-fold increase in optical fibre coverage since 2014. She praised

Meghalaya CM seeks more funds for smaller NE states from finance commission

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma advocated for enhanced financial support to the smaller Northeastern states, citing their unique geographical, economic, and developmental challenges. Sangma took up the issue during his meeting with members of the 16th Finance Commission in New Delhi on Monday. "Our states face distinct issues related to terrain, infrastructure gaps, and limited revenue-generating capacities. We need special financial consideration to address these structural disadvantages," Sangma said at the meeting. He urged the finance commission to recommend higher fund devolution and more flexible schemes to help smaller states address critical sectors such as roads, healthcare, education, and tourism. Sangma also called for greater autonomy in the utilisation of centrally allocated funds, allowing states to design projects suited to their needs. The commission assured him that the submissions would be carefully examined. "North East States, while having their own u

Northeast has more young population than rest of country: Meghalaya CM

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said that the northeast region has more young population than the rest of the country. Addressing the 5th Regional Catholic Youth Convention here on Friday he said, "The northeast is not just young it is younger than the rest of India". "This makes our youth not only our greatest strength but also our greatest challenge. How we nurture them will determine the destiny of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and the entire northeast," Sangma said. Emphasising the importance of purpose, goal-setting, and entrepreneurship among youth, he said that "without a goal, you could be working endlessly and achieving nothing." He said, "Reservation has made our youth complacent. We must compete not because we are guaranteed a seat, but because we can win it on merit." Calling for a cultural shift, Sangma urged the youth to believe in themselves and embrace entrepreneurship. "Why do we wait for others to start businesses in our states? Our youth should become the j

Raja Raghuvanshi murder: Meghalaya Police seize gun, Rs 50,000 from accused

Police seized a gun and Rs 50,000 from the accused in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, Superintendent of Police (SP) Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor said on Friday.SP Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor told the reporters, "A weapon was seized yesterday, including a gun with ammunition and Rs 50,000, which we recovered from the vehicle. Since we have police custody, we will further interrogate more... Raj and Akash disclosed a weapon in the bag, allowing us to proceed accordingly..."The police official added that the accused will be interrogated to find out if the laptops used by the accused were discarded or hidden somewhere."Currently, we are planning to interrogate them to determine if we can gain more insight into this matter. We want to find out whether the materials, such as laptops, have been discarded or not. They claimed that the laptops had been thrown away, but we will interrogate them to discover exactly where they were disposed of or if they are still being kept somewhere," SP ...

US urges citizens to exercise 'increased caution' while travelling to India

The US has issued an advisory for its citizens travelling to India, urging increased caution due to crime and rape, and advising them not to travel to certain parts of central and eastern parts of the country due to terrorism. The travel advisory issued last week states that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India and violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations. It added that terrorists, who target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and government facilities, may attack with little or no warning. The advisory issued on June 16 further adds that the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas, which stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The advisory also tells US citizens not to travel to parts of Central and East India due to terrorism. Maoist extremist groups, or Naxalites, are active in a large area of

Honeymoon murder twist: Kin say Sonam hiding truth, seek full probe

Raja Raghuvanshi's family claims wife Sonam is hiding facts and demands all accused be brought to Indore for deep questioning to uncover the full truth behind the murder

Honeymoon murder: New details deepen mystery; court extends police custody

Mystery deepens in the Raja Raghuvanshi honeymoon murder case as police uncover new details, recreate the crime scene, and extend custody of accused Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged lover

Meghalaya MTET 2025 results announced for Paper I & II at official website

The Meghalaya DERT today declared the Meghalaya TET results 2025. Candidates who took Paper I and Paper II can now check their results on the official website at megeeducation.gov.in

Raja's killers planned to murder woman, pass body as that of Sonam: Police

The killers of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi had a plan to murder any random woman and burn her body to pass it as that of his wife Sonam so that she would be able to be in hiding for a few more days till the truth is known, a senior police officer of Meghalaya said here on Thursday. The police also found out that Raj Kushwaha, boyfriend of Sonam, was the mastermind in the murder plot and she is the co-conspirator. On the first day of interrogation of Sonam, her suspected boyfriend Raj and three others, who were arrested in connection with the killing of the Indore-based businessman, also revealed that she fled from Meghalaya in a burqa and reached the Madhya Pradesh city using various modes of transport like taxi, bus and train. The conspiracy to eliminate Raja was hatched in Indore, shortly before his wedding with Sonam on May 11, and the mastermind is Raja while the woman had agreed to the plot, East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told PTI.