Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], June 15 (HBTV): In the wake of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, the Meghalaya government has decided to revisit the existing Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to strengthen the legislation and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek stated that during the cabinet meeting held on Thursday, a key decision was taken to revisit the MRSSA, and that tourists coming to Meghalaya will be required to register.

He added that CCTV cameras will be installed at all tourist destinations across the state.

‘We have also decided to install CCTV in all tourist places in Meghalaya as well as in hotels, homestays, and lodges,’ he said.

When asked about reports that Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi had hired a Scooty from an unregistered agency in Shillong, Hek said: ‘For now, we don't know whether it's illegal or not, but it is being said that they hired the Scooty from Shillong only.’

Earlier on Friday, Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh praised the state police for their ‘efficient’ investigation into the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, which led to the arrest of five accused, including the victim’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.

Speaking to ANI, Lyngdoh said the police's swift investigation had restored Meghalaya’s image and boosted tourism.

‘Now that Meghalaya's name has been cleared and our police's efficiency has been proven, more tourists are flocking to Meghalaya... We have a police force that managed to solve such a sensational murder case in just seven days,’ he said.

He also mentioned that the cabinet had informally acknowledged the police department’s efforts and a formal ceremony to honour the investigating officers would be held soon.

‘The Cabinet today informally discussed acknowledging the role of the police department in the case. Later, we will have a formal ceremony where the DGP and senior officers will honour them,’ Lyngdoh said.

Highlighting the significance of the case, he added: ‘This has given Meghalaya and the entire Northeast a major boost. We have shown the world that we are crime-free and tourist-friendly — not the crime-prone as was being projected.’

The Meghalaya Police arrested five people in connection with the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed who had travelled to the state on his honeymoon. Those arrested include his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Raj Singh Kushwaha, and Anand.

Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, said the interrogation of the accused is ongoing and police will seek further remand if necessary.

‘Interrogation is going... If we require more remand, we will take it accordingly... Once the interrogation and the statement recording is finalised, we will do a reconstruction of the crime scene,’ he said.

On Wednesday, a court remanded all five accused, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, to eight days of police custody. Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was found in a gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji) on June 2.

Sonam was later found near a roadside dhaba along the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway. The couple, both residents of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, had gone missing during their honeymoon trip to Meghalaya.

(ANI)