The chilling details of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case continue to unfold, with new developments revealing a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and pre-meditated violence. The case, which has been dubbed the "honeymoon murder," centers around the death of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was allegedly murdered by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, with the help of her lover, Raj Kushwaha, and several hired accomplices.
The investigation gained momentum with the arrest of five individuals, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raj Kushwaha, and three others identified as Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput and Anand Kurmi. These arrests followed Sonam's surrender to police in Uttar Pradesh and raids conducted in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Police sources have revealed that Raj Kushwaha is believed to be the mastermind behind the murder plot, driven by his desire to continue his relationship with Sonam.
Reportedly, Sonam and Raj had been in a relationship, and following the arrangement of Sonam’s marriage to Raja Raghuvanshi, they allegedly conspired to eliminate Raja. The plan involved Sonam and Raja traveling to Meghalaya for their honeymoon, where hired killers would execute the murder, making it appear as a random act of violence or a disappearance.
Adding a crucial element to the timeline, a local tourist guide, Albert Pde, came forward with information that proved vital to the investigation. Pde stated that he had seen Raja and Sonam accompanied by three men who spoke Hindi on May 23, the day the couple went missing. This observation helped police expand their search parameters and eventually led to the identification and apprehension of the hired assailants.
The autopsy report of Raja Raghuvanshi revealed the brutal nature of the attack, confirming that he died from injuries inflicted by a sharp cutting weapon. The report indicated that Raja had sustained at least two head injuries, one on the front and another on the back of his head. The Meghalaya Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) recovered a blood-stained machete near the crime scene, further solidifying the evidence against the accused.
Adding to the suspicions surrounding Sonam, reports indicate inconsistencies in her behavior and planning before the honeymoon. Raja’s mother revealed that Sonam had insisted on the Meghalaya trip but didn't book return tickets. She also allegedly took all her jewelry with her. Furthermore, Raja was initially reluctant to go on the honeymoon.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to gather more evidence and determine the full extent of each suspect's involvement. Sonam Raghuvanshi is expected to be transferred to Meghalaya, where she will face further interrogation and legal proceedings. The other accused individuals are also being held for questioning and will likely face charges related to murder and conspiracy.