A Honeymoon’s Dark End: The Chilling Case of Raja Raghuvanshi’s Murder and Wife Sonam’s Alleged Role
Shillong, Meghalaya / Indore, Madhya Pradesh / Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh – June 10, 2025 – What began as a blissful honeymoon for Indore newlyweds Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam Raghuvanshi in the picturesque hills of Meghalaya has culminated in a shocking murder investigation. After 16 days of intense speculation and a multi-state manhunt, the Meghalaya Police have made significant breakthroughs, arresting Sonam and four others, alleging that Sonam orchestrated her husband’s brutal murder with the help of her alleged lover and hired assailants.
The Tragic Timeline:
- May 11: Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and Sonam Raghuvanshi (24) tie the knot in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
- May 20: The newly married couple departs for their honeymoon in Meghalaya.
- May 21-22: They check into guesthouses in Shillong and later Mawlakhiat, preparing for treks to the famous living root bridges.
- May 23: The couple is last seen checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. A local guide, Albert Pde, reports seeing Raja and Sonam with three other men, speaking in Hindi, on the trekking route. This is the last confirmed sighting of Raja alive. Sources now suggest Sonam allegedly directed the killers with a signal, and the murder took place in front of her. Later that day, at 2:15 PM, a post is made from Raja’s social media account, “Saat Janmon Ka Saath Hai” (Together for seven lives), an ironic attempt to mislead.
- May 24: Their rented scooter is found abandoned near a café on the Shillong-Sohra road.
- June 2: After an extensive search, Raja’s decomposed body is discovered in a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls, around Sohrarim. A distinct tattoo on his hand helps identify him. A blood-stained machete, believed to be the murder weapon, and a damaged mobile phone screen, a woman’s white shirt, and a smartwatch are recovered from the scene. The post-mortem reveals two sharp cut wounds to Raja’s head, confirming homicide.
- June 3-7: The investigation intensifies. Police gather crucial leads, including the machete not being indigenous to the region, leading them to suspect outside involvement. Call records of the couple are scrutinised.
- June 8-9: In a dramatic turn, Sonam Raghuvanshi surfaces in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She is found at a roadside dhaba after making a phone call to her family. Police, who were already tracking her, apprehend her. Simultaneously, three other individuals are arrested in overnight raids across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- June 10: Meghalaya Police confirm the arrests and state that Sonam, along with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, masterminded the murder. Sonam, currently in custody in Ghazipur, claims she was “kidnapped” and “drugged,” denying the murder allegations.
The Chilling Details of the Alleged Plot:
According to Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang and other police sources, the narrative emerging is one of a cold and calculated conspiracy:
- Love Triangle and Motive: The primary motive appears to be an alleged extramarital affair between Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha (21), who was a former employee at Sonam’s father’s plywood factory in Indore. Raj Kushwaha has reportedly told police that Sonam promised to marry him after becoming a widow, and that she discussed how to stage the murder as a robbery.
- Pre-meditated Murder: Police sources indicate the murder was planned even before the couple left for their honeymoon. Raj Kushwaha allegedly orchestrated the plan from Indore, while his three friends – Akash Rajput (19) from Lalitpur (UP), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22) from Indore, and Anand Kurmi (23) from Bina (MP) – were allegedly hired as contract killers.
- Execution in Meghalaya: The three alleged assailants reportedly travelled to Meghalaya on May 21, following Raja and Sonam. They stayed in a hotel near the couple’s homestay in Shillong. On May 23, the murder allegedly took place in a remote area near Weisawdong Falls. Sources claim Sonam was present at the scene and instructed the killers.
- Cover-Up Attempts: After the murder, Sonam allegedly attempted to mislead investigators. She purportedly posted from Raja’s social media account to create an illusion that he was still alive. She also allegedly gave her blood-stained raincoat to one of the accused, Akash, who later discarded it near the crime scene, perhaps as a decoy. Sonam is also believed to have destroyed her own mobile phone to erase communication evidence.
- Raj Kushwaha’s Presence at Funeral: In a chilling twist, Raj Kushwaha was reportedly seen consoling Sonam’s father at Raja’s funeral in Indore, further deepening the layers of deception. Raja’s family members, including his sister, an influencer, have been vocal on social media, sharing details and demanding justice.
The Investigation’s Next Steps:
The Meghalaya Police have secured transit remand for Sonam from a court in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She is expected to be brought to Meghalaya for detailed interrogation. The three other arrested individuals have also been sent to Meghalaya on transit remand. The police are continuing their investigation to gather more evidence and apprehend any other individuals who may have been involved in the conspiracy.
This case has garnered national attention, not just for its shocking nature but also for the alleged cold-blooded planning by the victim’s own spouse. As the investigation progresses, the full truth behind this tragic honeymoon murder is expected to unravel.