The investigation into the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya continues to unfold, with the Meghalaya Police making significant strides in piecing together the events that led to his death. A crucial development in the case is the seizure of clothes believed to have been worn by Vishal Chauhan, one of the accused, on the day Raja was killed. This evidence is expected to provide valuable insights into the crime and solidify the case against the alleged perpetrators.
Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife, Sonam, were reported missing on May 23, 2025, while honeymooning in Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya. They were last seen checking out of a homestay in Nongriat. Their rented scooter was later discovered abandoned near Sohrarim. After a extensive search, Raja's body was discovered on June 2, 2025, in a deep gorge near the Weisawdong Falls in the East Khasi Hills. The autopsy revealed that he died from sharp weapon injuries, sustaining head injuries inflicted with a machete.
Suspicion quickly fell on Sonam Raghuvanshi, who had remained untraceable. Investigations revealed that Sonam allegedly conspired with her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, to orchestrate Raja's murder. Police have arrested Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi in connection with the case.
The Meghalaya Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been working diligently to gather evidence and establish the sequence of events. The seizure of Vishal Chauhan's clothing is a significant step forward. These clothes will be subjected to forensic analysis to determine if they contain any traces of blood or other evidence that could link him to the crime scene.
The investigation has revealed a disturbing plot. Raj Kushwaha allegedly hired Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi to carry out the murder. These three men traveled to Guwahati by train and then met Sonam and Raja in Shillong, posing as tourists. They accompanied the couple to Meghalaya, where Raja was allegedly killed according to the plan devised by Raj and Sonam.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Sonam initially told police that they were attacked by men who intended to loot jewelry, and Raja was killed when he tried to intervene. However, police investigations suggest a premeditated plan orchestrated by Sonam and her lover.
The role of Raj Kushwaha is particularly intriguing. While the other three accused allegedly carried out the murder, Kushwaha stayed behind in Indore, seemingly to establish an alibi. However, he was reportedly seen at Sonam's family home during the search for the missing couple and even attended Raja's funeral, further raising suspicions.
The breakthrough in the case came when a local tourist guide informed the police about seeing Sonam walking behind Raja and three men near the murder site. The murder weapon, a machete, also aroused suspicion as it was not commonly used in the region, suggesting that it was brought from outside.
Currently, all five accused are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Sonam Raghuvanshi was arrested in Uttar Pradesh and is being transferred to Meghalaya for further questioning. The other three accused were produced before a court in Indore and have been remanded to transit custody for seven days, allowing the Meghalaya Police to take them to Shillong for further investigation.