Introduction
A ghastly case of murder and betrayal has surfaced from Meghalaya, in which a newlywed man, Raja Raghuvanshi of Indore, was murdered on his honeymoon. Police have now exposed how his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, was the mastermind behind the entire murder scheme, and had recruited three hitmen to kill him. Now that all four accused are in police custody, including Sonam, the case has shocked the country.
Marriage and the Honeymoon Plan
Raja and Sonam were married on May 11, 2025, in Indore. Sonam soon organized an elaborate honeymoon trip to Meghalaya. She picked the schedule, made the accommodations, and even proposed going to remote trekking locations — now suspected to have been picked for isolating the victim and carrying out the murder.
Their Last Day Together
On 22nd May the duo reached Nongriat and lodged in a homestay of the locals. They appeared normal to the hosts and took pictures at the famous Double Decker Root Bridge. The following day, 23rd May, they checked out to see Wei Sawdong Falls. Sonam last called her mother at about 1:43 PM — after which both the phones went out of contact.
Gold Chain Clue and Suspicion
An interesting fact came out of Raja’s family — Sonam had made Raja keep his gold chain for the journey, as he usually did not do so on journeys. Police believe this might have been an attempt either to deceive or as bait, suggesting greater planning in the murder.
Disappearance and Body Recovery
After the rented scooter was discovered abandoned, search operations were mounted. On June 2, the authorities discovered Raja’s decomposed body in a gorge close to Wei Sawdong Falls, identified from his tattoo. A raincoat bearing bloodstains and other clues strongly indicated foul play.
A Guide’s Account Exposes the Truth
Local guide Albert Pde remembered that the couple turned down his offer on May 22. To his surprise, a day after, he spotted them with three other men. This account aided the police in focusing on the role of outsiders and ultimately led to the arrest of three men suspected of being hired assassins.
Love Affair and Murder Plot
Police investigators suspect Sonam was having an illicit affair with another man and wished to eliminate Raja. She reportedly called and engaged the three men prior to the incident. The murder was premeditated and carried out brutally while the group hiked in Meghalaya’s isolated landscape, police say.
Family’s Conflicting Statements
While Raja’s mother accused Sonam of being responsible for the murder right from the start, Sonam’s family informed the media that she had nothing to do with the murder and was being unjustly blamed. The disparity in quotations has brought emotional and legal pressure into the case.
First Image of Alleged Lover Surfaces, Arrest Confirmed
In a significant breakthrough, Raj Kushwaha’s first photo — claimed to be the lover of Sonam — has come to light after his arrest in Indore. Raj was at the core of the conspiracy and was in touch with Sonam round-the-clock prior to and post the murder, the police feel. The investigators suspect that he assisted the hitmen in getting arrangements done and could have had either an emotional or financial motivation. The image of Raj has since become synonymous with the case’s horrific betrayal and premeditation.
Sonam’s Breakdown Prior to Arrest
A Ghazipur witness described Raj’s younger sister Sonam as “alone and sobbing” moments before police arrested her. She was allegedly frightened, tired, and seemed to be fleeing from both the authorities and shame. She surrendered peacefully.
All Accused in Custody
With the surrender of Sonam and arrest of the three men who were hired, police now have all four accused in custody. The fourth man, who is said to be the link between Sonam and the contract killers, was arrested from Assam. Interrogations are still on to find more layers of the conspiracy.
How Police Solved the Case
With the help of mobile tower data, drone patrols, Sohra CCTV footage, and ground intelligence, the Meghalaya Police reconstructed the sequence of events. The guide’s account and the discovery of forensic material such as the raincoat were crucial for cracking the case.
Legal Action and Charges
Police arrested the accused under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and other charges. A detailed charge sheet is being finalized. Sonam and the three men, if found guilty, could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
A Chilling Reminder
This case has served as a heart-stopping reminder of how trust and love may be turned against others for evil. What should have been a blissful honeymoon life ended in tragedy — not because of a mishap, but a premeditated betrayal. The nation watches with a combination of horror and anticipation for justice as the investigation unfolds.
