Namrata Bora death case: After Sonam Raghuvanshi, another 'murder' mystery haunts Meghalaya police

A day after the mysterious death of honeymooner Sonam Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya, another case has put state police under fresh scrutiny. Namrata Bora, a 25-year-old law intern from Assam’s Golaghat district, died early Wednesday in what was officially reported as a road accident near Nongpoh in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. Her family has rejected the accident theory and filed an FIR alleging foul play.

The case comes amid another murder mystery that has shaken Meghalaya, involving the suspicious death of Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed man from Indore who went missing during his honeymoon in the East Khasi Hills. His body was found in a gorge, while Sonam Raghuvanshi was arrested in UP.

Who was Namrata Bora, and what happened?

Namrata, a law student staying in Guwahati’s Rukminigaon, had travelled to Shillong with Anayatul Wadud — a youth leader of AIUDF and son of a party MLA — and three others: Mriganka Bora, Pragya Dihingia, and Gayatri Bora. The group was reportedly returning from Shillong when their vehicle met with an accident at around 4.15 AM in the Changbangla area.

While the other four suffered minor injuries, Namrata was declared dead at Nongpoh Civil Hospital.

Namrata Bora's family alleges conspiracy

Namrata’s brother, Rishabhananda Bora, filed a complaint at Nongpoh Police Station, naming all four companions as suspects. Her family also registered a separate FIR at Dispur Police Station in Assam. They questioned why two of the friends — Anayatul and Gayatri — fled the spot, while the others took Namrata to the hospital.

Namrata’s father, Ramen Bora, said, “On Tuesday, she called from her room, and on Wednesday morning, I received a call saying that she was in an accident and died while returning from Shillong.”

He added, “When I contacted Mriganka, he handed the phone to Pragya, who said they had gone to see the sunrise when a vehicle hit them while overtaking another car. They claimed Namrata was critically injured and admitted to the hospital.”

Ramen Bora also pointed out inconsistencies in their version. “When Namrata left the room, she took a regular phone instead of her iPhone. But why did she leave her iPhone behind if she was going to watch the sunrise? Moreover, she went out wearing casual clothes instead of the usual attire she wears when going out. My daughter is particular about what she wears when she goes out. Therefore, I am seeking a proper investigation into the incident.”

Meghalaya police begin probe

Meghalaya Police conducted a post-mortem at Nongpoh Civil Hospital before handing over the body to the family. Police have detained Namrata’s friends for questioning.

The vehicle involved in the crash bore Assam registration number AS 01 EV 9578. Namrata died on the spot, while the four other passengers escaped with minor injuries.

Chief Ministers intervene

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X, calling for a fair investigation. He said that while a case had been registered at Nongpoh Police Station, concerns raised by the family and well-wishers “warrant a detailed inquiry by a senior police official.”

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has reportedly ordered the state police to speed up the investigation. Sarma expressed confidence that justice would be delivered through a “transparent and unbiased” inquiry.