June 9, 2025 | Shillong, Meghalaya
In a chilling turn of events, the Meghalaya Police have cracked a high-profile murder case involving a newlywed couple from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, who went missing during their honeymoon in the scenic hills of Meghalaya. What initially appeared to be a mysterious disappearance has unraveled into a calculated plot of betrayal and murder, with the wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, now detained as the alleged mastermind behind her husband Raja Raghuvanshi’s killing. Here’s a detailed look at the case that has shocked the nation.
A Honeymoon Turned Tragic
Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, and Sonam Raghuvanshi, 24, tied the knot on May 11, 2025, in a joyous ceremony in Indore. The couple embarked on their honeymoon on May 20, traveling to Meghalaya via Bengaluru and Guwahati. They arrived in Shillong on May 21, checking into the Balaji Guest House, and later moved to Shipara Homestay in Nongriat village, a popular tourist spot in the Sohra (Cherrapunji) region.
CCTV footage from May 22, accessed by T7 News, showed the couple arriving at a Shillong homestay on a rented scooter, appearing to interact normally. Raja was seen speaking with homestay staff while Sonam waited near their luggage. On May 23, the couple checked out of Shipara Homestay early in the morning, declining breakfast and signing out from the register. They were last seen climbing over 3,000 steps from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat village around 10 a.m., accompanied by three unidentified men, as reported by a local tourist guide, Albert Pde.
Later that day, their rented scooter was found abandoned in Sohrarim village, about 50 km south of Shillong, prompting local villagers to alert the police. The couple’s phones were switched off by the evening, and their family lost contact, marking the beginning of a frantic search.
A Gruesome Discovery
On June 2, after an extensive search involving drones, search dogs, and the National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF and SDRF), Raja’s decomposed body was found in a deep gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls, approximately 20 km from the homestay. A gold ring and neck chain were missing from his body, raising suspicions of foul play. The following day, a bloodstained machete was discovered nearby, and two days later, a raincoat resembling one used by the couple was found in Mawkma village, halfway between Sohrarim and the gorge.
The Meghalaya Police registered a murder case, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the incident. Initial theories ranged from robbery to abduction, with Sonam’s family alleging she might have been trafficked across the border to Bangladesh. Raja’s brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, and Sonam’s father, Devi Singh Raghuvanshi, criticized the pace of the investigation, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to transfer the case to the CBI, citing concerns over the Meghalaya Police’s handling.
Breakthrough in the Investigation
On June 9, the case took a dramatic turn when Sonam Raghuvanshi, who had been missing since May 23, surrendered at Nandganj police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, around 3 a.m. She had contacted her brother, Govind Raghuvanshi, informing him of her whereabouts, leading to swift coordination between the Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya Police forces. Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang confirmed Sonam’s arrest, revealing that she was suspected of orchestrating her husband’s murder.
The police arrested three alleged contract killers from Madhya Pradesh, identified as accomplices hired by Sonam. A fourth suspect remains at large, with operations ongoing to apprehend him. According to police sources, Sonam was in an extramarital relationship with a man named Raj Kushwaha, also from Madhya Pradesh, who is believed to have played a key role in planning the murder. The motive, as per preliminary investigations, was rooted in this affair, with the honeymoon trip allegedly designed as a cover to execute the crime in the remote Sohra region.
Meghalaya DGP Nongrang stated, “Sonam surrendered at the Nandganj police station in UP and was subsequently arrested. The three arrested men confessed that they were hired by Raghuvanshi’s wife to carry out the murder.” The arrests were made during overnight raids, with one suspect apprehended in Uttar Pradesh and two in Indore. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated the police for their swift action, noting that the breakthrough was achieved within seven days of intensified efforts.
Key Evidence and Witness Testimony
The investigation gained momentum after Albert Pde, a tourist guide in Mawlakhiat, provided crucial testimony. He reported seeing Raja and Sonam with three men on May 23, climbing from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat. Pde had offered his services to the couple on May 22 to guide them to Nongriat but was declined in favor of another guide, Bha Wansai. This sighting redirected the probe toward foul play, contradicting earlier theories of accidental death or trafficking.
CCTV footage, bloodstained evidence, and the abandoned scooter further corroborated the police’s findings. The discovery of Raja’s body in a remote gorge, coupled with missing jewelry, initially suggested robbery, but the arrests and Sonam’s surrender pointed to a premeditated conspiracy. The National Commission for Women (NCW) had also intervened, urging a thorough investigation and the use of specialized teams to locate Sonam before her surrender.
Family’s Response and Calls for Justice
Sonam’s family has denied the police allegations, claiming she is in a state of shock and incapable of such a crime. Her father, Devi Singh, reiterated his demand for a CBI probe, alleging that the Meghalaya government had mishandled the case from the start. “The couple married with the full consent of both families. The Meghalaya government has been lying from the beginning,” he told Business Standard. Raja’s family, meanwhile, expressed grief and frustration, with his brother Vipin alleging that local guides, homestay staff, or scooter rental services might have been complicit.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with protests by family and friends in Indore demanding justice for Raja. Social media posts on X reflect public shock, with users describing the case as a “tale of tragedy” and a “gruesome murder.”
What’s Next?
Sonam Raghuvanshi is set to be transferred from Ghazipur to Meghalaya to face charges, while the police continue their search for the remaining suspect. The SIT is investigating Raj Kushwaha’s role and any additional accomplices in Madhya Pradesh. A press conference by the Meghalaya Police’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) is scheduled for 1 p.m. on June 9 at the SP Office in Shillong to provide further updates.
The case has raised questions about tourist safety in Meghalaya, though state minister Alexander Hek defended the police’s efforts, stating, “If you have lost confidence in the investigation by the Meghalaya Police, you can approach central agencies.” The Meghalaya government has emphasized its commitment to justice, with CM Sangma assuring that “no stone would be left unturned.”
A Nation in Shock
The Meghalaya honeymoon murder case has gripped India, transforming a romantic getaway into a dark tale of deception. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the full truth behind Raja Raghuvanshi’s death and ensuring accountability for those responsible. For now, the nation watches closely, awaiting justice for a tragedy that has left families shattered and a community reeling.
Stay tuned for updates as the Meghalaya Police release more details. For the latest developments, follow trusted news sources and official statements from the authorities.
Leave a Reply