Shillong, Meghalaya — A romantic honeymoon has turned into a tragic mystery as a young couple from Indore vanished without a trace while vacationing in the picturesque hills of Meghalaya. The disappearance has sparked a full-scale search and rescue operation, rattled local communities, and triggered emotional appeals from the families of the missing.

The Vanishing

The couple, identified as Ankita Verma, 26, and Raghav Sharma, 28, had tied the knot just two weeks prior to their trip. According to family members, the two were excited about exploring Northeast India, a region known for its stunning landscapes, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant cultures. Meghalaya, often referred to as the "abode of clouds," was their chosen destination to begin married life.

They arrived in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, on a Sunday morning and checked into a boutique resort in Cherrapunji. Over the next few days, the couple shared photos and messages with friends and family, documenting their adventures — from visiting Nohkalikai Falls to trekking the double-decker living root bridges in Nongriat.

However, contact abruptly stopped on Wednesday evening. Their last known communication was a text message sent by Raghav to a cousin around 5:15 PM, saying they were "heading toward a scenic viewpoint."

Discovery of the Bags

The real shock came late Friday afternoon when two local villagers reported finding suspicious belongings in a steep gorge near a secluded bend on the road to Laitlum Canyon. Upon investigation, authorities confirmed that the bags — a red duffel and a blue backpack — belonged to the missing couple. The items were partially obscured by thick bushes and precariously close to the edge of a ravine known for its treacherous drops.

Inside the bags, police found personal items, including clothing, a camera, travel guides, and some toiletries. Surprisingly, their wallets and phones were missing — raising more questions about what could have happened.

Search Operation Underway

Meghalaya police, assisted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers, have launched an intensive search of the area. Drones, sniffer dogs, and rope teams are being used to comb the rugged terrain, which is often slippery and dangerous, especially during the monsoon season.

“We are treating this case with utmost seriousness,” said East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police. “Given the discovery of the bags in a gorge and the fact that the couple has not been reachable for over 48 hours, we cannot rule out any possibilities — whether it's an accident, a case of foul play, or something else.”

Divers have also been deployed to nearby streams and water bodies in case the couple slipped and fell during a hike.

A Growing List of Theories

As investigators scramble for leads, theories have started circulating both online and within the community. Some locals believe the couple might have wandered off a trail and fallen into a ravine. Others suspect a robbery gone wrong, especially since their mobile phones and wallets were missing. A few netizens have even speculated about potential criminal activity or human trafficking, although authorities have urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions.

“We request the public to allow the investigation to proceed without spreading misinformation,” the police said in a statement.

Family in Anguish

Back in Indore, the families of Ankita and Raghav are gripped with anxiety. A joint appeal was made on Saturday by the couple’s parents, pleading with authorities for faster action and with the public for any information.

“They were so excited about this trip. It was meant to be the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Now we’re just praying for their safety,” said Raghav’s mother through tears.

Both families have flown to Meghalaya and are coordinating with police on the ground.

Safety Concerns for Tourists

This incident has reignited discussions around tourist safety in remote areas of the Northeast. Meghalaya, while generally considered safe and welcoming, has vast stretches of isolated terrain where cellular connectivity is poor and help is often far away.

Experts advise tourists to avoid venturing alone into offbeat trails without a local guide, especially during the rainy season when pathways can become slippery and landslides are common.

"Tourists should always inform hotel staff or local authorities about their plans before heading out for hikes in remote areas. In this case, had there been a clearer itinerary shared, the search could have started earlier,” said a local tourism officer.

What Comes Next?

As of Saturday evening, no trace of the couple has been found beyond the discovery of their bags. Search and rescue operations will continue into the coming days, and the Meghalaya government has promised to leave no stone unturned in solving the mystery.

For now, the hills of Meghalaya hold their silence, offering no answers. What was meant to be a celebration of new beginnings has instead become a haunting puzzle — one that has left families devastated, a community on edge, and a nation anxiously hoping for a miracle.