The chilling case of Raja Raghuvanshi's murder in Meghalaya has gripped India, exposing a twisted tale of betrayal, conspiracy, and cold-blooded execution. What began as a honeymoon in the scenic hills of Meghalaya turned into a nightmare, revealing a plot allegedly orchestrated by his newlywed wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha.
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, got married on May 11, 2025. Just days later, they embarked on what was supposed to be a romantic honeymoon to Meghalaya. However, on May 23, the couple mysteriously disappeared, prompting a frantic search by local authorities. The grim discovery came on June 2, when Raja's decomposed body was found in a deep gorge near the Weisawdong Falls in the East Khasi Hills district. The autopsy revealed fatal sharp-force injuries to his head, confirming that his death was not accidental.
As investigations intensified, suspicion quickly fell on Sonam. Meghalaya Police launched "Operation Honeymoon," a massive effort involving 120 personnel, including 20 core members, to track her down. Their suspicions were further fueled by the fact that Sonam didn't post any pictures of her and Raja during their honeymoon, and Sonam posted from Raja's social media account after the murder, raising suspicions.
The investigation uncovered a disturbing conspiracy. Police allege that Sonam, with the help of her lover Raj Kushwaha, hired three contract killers to murder her husband. The accused, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi, were allegedly paid ₹20 lakh for the job.
According to police sources, Sonam and Raj discussed the murder plot extensively. Sonam allegedly contacted Raj on May 16, suggesting they make it look like a robbery gone wrong. She allegedly promised to marry Raj after becoming a widow, assuring him that her father would then approve of their relationship.
After the murder, Sonam traveled from Shillong to Indore via Siliguri by train. In Indore, she allegedly met with Raj and stayed in a rented accommodation before eventually being dropped off in Uttar Pradesh. She was eventually detained by local police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where she had sought refuge at a dhaba.
In a dramatic turn of events, Sonam surrendered to the police in Ghazipur, claiming she was drugged and brought there against her will. However, police dismissed her claims, stating that she was a "poor planner" who lacked knowledge of police procedures and thought she could escape by posing as a victim.
The Meghalaya Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the murder: Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi. All the accused are being taken to Meghalaya for further investigation. Police also revealed that two sharp cut wounds were found on Raja's head during the autopsy, which might have been inflicted by a machete.
The case has sparked outrage and disbelief, with many questioning how a newlywed wife could orchestrate such a heinous crime. Raja's brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, has accused Sonam of staging her surrender and hiding crucial facts. He also alleged that Sonam's mother was aware of the affair and deliberately withheld this information from Raja's family. The father of the slain businessman is demanding the death penalty for all culprits involved in the murder.
The Meghalaya Police have also registered FIRs against individuals who allegedly made "false propaganda" against the state's residents in the aftermath of the murder. Multiple ministers have condemned what they described as "an attack on the image of Meghalaya," emphasizing that the state is safe for tourists and that its police force is among the best in the country.
