Honeymoon Horror in Meghalaya: Raja Raghuvanshi Murder – What Police Say About Wife Sonam Raghuvanshi

On a once-romantic honeymoon in Meghalaya, tragedy struck when 29-year-old Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi vanished on May 23, 2025, only to be found dead days later. Meghalaya Police allege the unthinkable—that his bride, Sonam Raghuvanshi, orchestrated his murder. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the investigation, police revelations, and what's known about Sonam's alleged role.

1. Timeline of the Tragedy

• May 11: Raja and Sonam marry in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. navbharattimes.indiatimes.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15hindustantimes.com+15

• May 20–23: The couple travels to Cherrapunji (Sohra), Meghalaya. CCTV and local testimony placed them trekking near the famed double-decker root bridge. en.wikipedia.org

• May 23: Last seen alive when they checked out of a homestay. Days later, their scooter was found abandoned. en.wikipedia.org

• June 2: Raja’s decomposed body is recovered in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls; autopsy reveals multiple sharp-force injuries. marathi.indiatimes.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15indiatimes.com+15

• June 7–9: Investigation codenamed “Operation Honeymoon” yields arrests of Sonam and four accomplices. timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15ndtv.com+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15

2. How Meghalaya Police Pieced It Together

a. Operation Honeymoon

A SIT analyzed 42 CCTV cameras, retrieved a bloodstained machete, Raja’s missing valuables, and Sonam’s raincoat, tying these to hired suspects. en.wikipedia.org+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1

b. Technical & Forensic Evidence

• CCTV tracked suspects arriving in Shillong, then to Sohra on May 22–23. youtube.com+5people.com+5indiatimes.com+5

• A machete bought in Guwahati matched wounds. Raincoat bore suspicious stains—pending forensic analysis. en.wikipedia.org+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1

• Raja’s valuables—rings, chain, bracelet—were found missing. economictimes.indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2indianexpress.com+2

c. Witness Testimony

A local guide reported the couple walking with three men near Nongriat—used by cops to reconstruct the crime scenario. hindustantimes.com+2hindustantimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2

3. Sonam’s Alleged Role According to Police

a. Mastermind or Participant?

• The DGP of Meghalaya states Sonam “hired assassins” for her husband's killing during the honeymoon. indiatoday.in+15en.wikipedia.org+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15

• One accused confessed Raja was killed with Sonam present, watched her die. indianexpress.com+2indiatoday.in+2ndtv.com+2

b. Plot Timeline

Evidence suggests the murder scheme was in motion even before the wedding, fueled by promises of a new life with Sonam's alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha. en.wikipedia.org+11hindustantimes.com+11timesofindia.indiatimes.com+11

c. Deception Attempt

Sonam allegedly fed her mother-in-law a false fasting narrative—hotel records and CCTV exposed she had eaten. Police believe she intended to stage the killing as a botched robbery. marathi.indiatimes.com+15indianexpress.com+15hindustantimes.com+15

d. Accessory Connection

Raj Kushwaha, her alleged romantic partner and family business accountant, is accused of funding the killers, acting as the brains behind the plan. youtube.com+9hindustantimes.com+9indiatimes.com+9

4. Arrests & Current Status

• Arrested: Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, plus three executioners—Akash Rajput, Vishal Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi. A sixth suspect remains at large. hindustantimes.com+5ndtv.com+5hindustantimes.com+5

• Sonam surrendered on June 9 at Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur; transported with tight security via Kolkata and Guwahati. timesofindia.indiatimes.com+5indianexpress.com+5timesofindia.indiatimes.com+5

• Court proceedings: Special SIT to present Sonam and accused before Shillong court. Meghalaya CM and DGP have promised expeditious trial. hindustantimes.com

5. Reactions, Allegations & Public Outcry

• Family Reactions: Raja's relatives demand capital punishment. Sonam’s father vehemently denies charges, accusing police of framing and seeking a CBI inquiry. en.wikipedia.org+1people.com+1

• State Response: Meghalaya’s Deputy CM and Tourism Dept organized a peace rally. Minister Alexander Laloo Hek demanded apologies and threatened defamation action against those maligning the state's image. hindustantimes.com+1navbharattimes.indiatimes.com+1

• Celebrity Commentary: Bollywood’s Kangana Ranaut labeled the alleged plot “senseless” and called Sonam "stupid woman".

Analysis & Implications for Crime Reporting

• Mobile and Forensic Analytics were crucial—tracking phones, clothing, purchases.

• Multi-jurisdictional coordination among Meghalaya, MP, and UP police ensured swift arrests.

• The case highlights pressures in arranged marriages that can escalate to violence—this must inform future crime-prevention strategies.

Conclusion

Meghalaya Police assert the narrative: what began as a honeymoon tragically ended in murder—a crime allegedly premeditated and orchestrated by the bride herself. With stolen evidence carefully pieced together, they claim Sonam plotted Raja’s killing from the outset. As court proceedings unfold and forensic findings are formalized, the nation watches in stunned silence. This story is still developing, and updates are awaited as justice takes its course.