The quiet neighborhood of Kushwaha Nagar in Indore is reeling from shock and disbelief as news spreads about Sonam Raghuvanshi, a 24-year-old resident accused of orchestrating the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Neighbors are struggling to reconcile the image they have of Sonam – a "pious and cheerful girl" – with the horrific allegations against her.

Sonam and Raja, both from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, had embarked on a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya following their wedding on May 11. The couple went missing on May 23, shortly after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Raja's body was discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge in the East Khasi Hills district. The Meghalaya police investigation quickly led to Sonam as the prime suspect, with authorities alleging she hired contract killers to eliminate her husband.

Adding to the shock, neighbors recall Sonam being "very happy" during her wedding celebrations, with "no fear or suspicion that she could do something like this". Many find it difficult to believe she could be involved in such a heinous crime. One neighbor, Sapna Solanki, told ANI that Sonam's "behaviour was very good." Another resident described her as having "a very good nature," remaining friendly with everyone and being affectionately called "Bitti." They added, "I don't think she would have done such a thing because given her nature, she could only do good things like that."

The sentiment of disbelief is echoed throughout the community. "I can’t believe it, she was a well-behaved and educated girl. I don’t know if she did it or not," one neighbor told The Economic Times.

Adding another layer of complexity to the case, one of the men arrested in connection with the murder, Raj Singh Kushwaha, was seen assisting with Raja's funeral arrangements in Indore. According to eyewitnesses, Kushwaha even drove one of the vehicles carrying mourners.

Sonam Raghuvanshi surrendered to the Uttar Pradesh Police in Ghazipur on Monday. Along with Sonam, three alleged accomplices have been apprehended: Akash Rajput from Lalitpur, and Vishal Singh Chauhan and Raj Singh Kushwaha, both from Indore. Meghalaya DGP I Nonrong stated that operations are still underway in Madhya Pradesh to apprehend additional individuals connected to the crime.

Sonam's father, Devi Singh Raghuvanshi, vehemently defends his daughter, claiming her innocence and alleging that the Meghalaya police and government are fabricating the story. He insists that his daughter is incapable of such an act and alleges that the authorities are preventing him from speaking with her.

As the investigation progresses, the residents of Kushwaha Nagar remain in stunned silence, grappling with the unfolding tragedy and the stark contrast between the Sonam they knew and the accusations she now faces. The case has not only shaken the community but also sparked anger, with some locals burning Sonam's photo and demanding a thorough investigation, including calls for a CBI inquiry.