Shillong, Meghalaya / Indore, Madhya Pradesh / Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh – June 9, 2025 – What began as a romantic honeymoon for an Indore couple in the scenic hills of Meghalaya has tragically unraveled into a chilling murder mystery, with the shocking arrest of the deceased husband’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi. Meghalaya Police, in a significant breakthrough, have apprehended Sonam in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and three other individuals, alleging that Sonam orchestrated the killing of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, by hiring contract killers.
The Disappearance and Discovery:
Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam, newlyweds from Indore, had traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon in May. They were last seen on May 23rd, reportedly on a trek to Nongriat, famous for its living root bridges. Their rented scooter was later found abandoned on May 24th near a café on the Shillong-Sohra road, sparking concerns about their disappearance.
After days of frantic searching, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered on June 2nd in a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls, around Sohrarim. His identity was confirmed by a tattoo on his hand and a waterproof smartwatch. Crucially, his wallet, mobile phones, and gold jewelry were missing, immediately raising suspicions of foul play. A bloodstained machete, believed to be the murder weapon, was later recovered from the area.
The Shocking Turn: Wife’s Alleged Involvement:
For days, Sonam was presumed missing, and her family had even demanded a CBI inquiry, expressing concerns about her safety and alleging abduction. However, the investigation by the Meghalaya Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn.
Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang announced on Monday that Sonam Raghuvanshi had surrendered at the Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Simultaneously, three other male accused were arrested in overnight raids – two from Indore and one from Uttar Pradesh.
According to DGP Nongrang, the arrested individuals have confessed that Sonam herself hired them to murder her husband. This revelation completely flips the initial narrative, transforming a presumed missing person’s case into a calculated murder plot.
Key Revelations and Evidence:
- Contract Killing: Police sources indicate that Sonam allegedly hired contract killers to execute the murder.
- Tourist Guide’s Testimony: A local tourist guide in Mawlakhiat, Albert Pde, had reported seeing Raja and Sonam with three unidentified men on May 23rd, the day they went missing. This observation proved crucial in the investigation.
- Missing Valuables: The missing gold ring, neck chain, and mobile phones from Raja’s body further pointed towards a robbery or murder with intent.
- Recovered Weapons: The recovery of a newly purchased ‘dao’ (machete) near the body confirmed the use of a weapon and a planned attack.
Investigation and Political Response:
The Meghalaya Police have been praised by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for their swift action in cracking the complex case. He stated that a major breakthrough had been achieved within seven days. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to apprehend at least one more assailant believed to be involved.
While the families of both Raja and Sonam had initially called for a CBI probe due to concerns over the initial pace of the investigation, Sonam’s surrender and the subsequent arrests mark a significant development for the Meghalaya Police. Teams from Meghalaya and Indore police are expected to coordinate efforts in Ghazipur to bring Sonam back for further interrogation and to uncover the full motive behind this shocking crime.
The case highlights the collaborative efforts of police forces across states to solve complex inter-state crimes and has once again brought the dark side of human intentions to the forefront. The community now awaits further details as the investigation delves deeper into what led a newlywed wife to allegedly conspire in her husband’s murder during their honeymoon.