The honeymoon of Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, a newlywed couple from Indore, turned into a horrific tragedy in Meghalaya, captivating the nation's attention. What began as a romantic getaway to the picturesque hills of Meghalaya quickly spiraled into a missing person case, a murder investigation, and a shocking tale of betrayal.
Raja, 29, and Sonam, 25, embarked on their honeymoon journey to Shillong on May 20, 2025, shortly after their wedding on May 11. They explored various locales, including Cherrapunjee (Sohra), known for its stunning landscapes and living root bridges. On May 22, they checked into a homestay in Nongriat village, undertaking a trek to the famed living root bridges. The next day, May 23, they checked out and were never seen together again.
On May 24, their rented scooter was discovered abandoned near a café along the Shillong-Sohra road, raising immediate concerns. Police confirmed the scooter was rented by the couple, intensifying the search efforts. Days later, on June 2, Raja's decomposed body was found in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls. The body was identified by a tattoo of "Raja and a lady" on his hand, and a waterproof smartwatch he had borrowed from his brother. A machete was found nearby, confirming that Raja Raghuvanshi had been murdered. His wallet, gold jewelry and four mobile phones were missing.
As the search for Sonam continued, authorities deployed significant resources including NDRF teams, drones, and sniffer dogs. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma assured a thorough investigation, promising to leave no stone unturned. The family, however, grew increasingly frustrated, with Raja's brother Vipin alleging that early pleas to explore the area where the body was eventually found were ignored.
Adding a chilling layer to the mystery was an audio recording. Raja’s mother received a voice message from Sonam on May 23. In the recording Sonam sounds short of breath, and tells her mother-in-law that she was trekking to a waterfall and would not break her religious fast. The call ended suddenly.
Then came the shocking twist: Sonam Raghuvanshi was not a victim, but a suspect. On June 9, 2025, Meghalaya Police confirmed Sonam's arrest in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She allegedly confessed to hiring contract killers to murder her husband. Three other suspects from Madhya Pradesh were also arrested.
According to police, Sonam was in a relationship with another man, Raj Kushwaha, and allegedly conspired with him to kill her husband. Officials alleged that she hired contract killers from Madhya Pradesh to execute the plan in the guise of a vacation. The case took a turn when a tourist guide, Albert Pde, reported that the couple was last seen with three unknown men.
The Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang stated that the arrested men revealed that Sonam had hired them to kill Raja. The motive behind this heinous act is still under investigation, but authorities are piecing together the timeline of events leading up to the murder.
Sonam's father, Devi Singh Raghuvanshi, rejected the charges, claiming his daughter was innocent and that the Meghalaya Police were fabricating the case. He demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident.
The tragic end to Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi's honeymoon serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface. The Meghalaya Police are continuing their investigation, determined to uncover all the details and bring all those involved to justice.
