Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Sonam Raghuvanshi's Alleged Role and the Investigation Unfolds
In a chilling turn of events, the honeymoon of newlyweds Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raja Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya has been marred by a tragic incident. Raja's lifeless body was discovered on June 2, 2025, in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls, East Khasi Hills, nearly a fortnight after the couple went missing on May 23. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, likely inflicted by a machete. The investigation has since revealed a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and alleged conspiracy, with Sonam at the center of it all.
The Discovery and Initial Reactions
Raja and Sonam, both from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, had married on May 11, 2025, and embarked on their honeymoon to Meghalaya on May 20. They were last seen on May 23 after checking out of a homestay at Nongriat village in Cherrapunji. Their rented scooter was found abandoned the next day, and both phones were switched off after a final call from Sonam to her mother around 1:43 PM on May 23. Despite extensive searches, no trace of the couple was found until June 2, when Raja's body was discovered.
Initially, Sonam claimed she had been kidnapped, and her family echoed this sentiment, even appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her safe return. However, authorities soon began to question her version of events. A breakthrough came when Sonam inadvertently activated her mobile phone near Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, revealing her location and leading to her surrender to the police. She was arrested and transferred to Meghalaya for questioning.
Alleged Conspiracy and Motive
Investigations have uncovered that Sonam may have orchestrated her husband's murder. Authorities allege that she conspired with her 21-year-old lover, Raj Kushwaha, and three of his childhood friends—Anand Kurmi, Akash Rajput, and Vishal Singh Chauhan—to carry out the killing. Raj, who had even attended Raja's funeral, allegedly led the execution with his accomplices. Police have placed all five accused in an 8-day custody and plan to reconstruct the crime scene as part of the investigation.
Sonam's alleged motive appears to be multifaceted. Reports suggest that she faced family pressure to marry against her will and had financial transactions worth ₹9 lakh, which she used to organize the honeymoon. Additionally, Sonam reportedly wanted to elope with an unidentified third individual after the murder and had purchased a flat in Indore. She also took deliberate steps to erase her digital footprint, including destroying mobile phones and acquiring three phones using false identities. These actions indicate a calculated plan for escape.
Digital Footprints and Evidence
Despite her efforts to cover her tracks, Sonam left behind crucial digital evidence. Authorities discovered that the mobile phones and SIM cards used to execute the crime were procured in Indore with documents belonging to Anand Kurmi. Raj Kushwaha facilitated the purchase of three phones—one of which was used by Sonam. Her communications were indirectly relayed through Raj to the hired killers in an attempt to conceal her involvement. Post-crime, the group destroyed SIM cards and phones in Shillong to eliminate evidence. Surveillance and digital tracking ultimately led authorities to a 'dhaba' where further leads were discovered.
Public Reaction and Family Statements
The case has sparked intense public interest and emotional reactions. Raja's family has demanded strict punishment, including the death penalty, for those involved, intensifying public interest and scrutiny of the case. On the other hand, Raj Kushwaha's family staunchly defends his innocence, arguing that he has been wrongfully implicated. They emphasize that his relationship with Sonam was strictly professional and that he referred to her respectfully as "Didi" (sister). His relatives describe him as a hardworking and soft-spoken individual with no history of romantic involvement. They have appealed for a fair investigation, asserting that he is being framed.
In a surprising twist, Sonam's elder brother, Govind Raghuvanshi, publicly declared his belief that his sister was responsible for the murder. He stated he is “100% sure” of her involvement based on available evidence and has since severed all ties with her, expressing support for Raja's family in their pursuit of justice. Govind also revealed that Sonam had a close relationship with co-accused Raj Kushwaha, referring to him as “brother” and tying rakhi to him over the past three years, despite rumors of a romantic affair.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are piecing together the evidence to build a comprehensive case. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Meghalaya Police is working diligently to reconstruct the crime scene and gather additional evidence. The involvement of multiple individuals and the complexity of the case suggest that the legal proceedings will be intricate and closely scrutinized.
As the case progresses, it raises pertinent questions about trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which individuals might go to escape their circumstances. The tragic death of Raja Raghuvanshi serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly perfect relationships.
The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader community. It underscores the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in relationships and serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of deceit and betrayal.
As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that justice is served, not only for Raja Raghuvanshi but also for the integrity of the legal system and the trust of the public.
by Rohit Thakur | 12 jun 2025
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