Tour Guide's Claim, Bloodstained Machete: How Police Cracked Meghalaya Murder, Arrested Sonam
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Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi Case: A crucial breakthrough came on June 7, when a local tourist guide informed police that the Indore couple had not been alone on their honeymoon.
Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: After weeks of relentless investigation, the Meghalaya Police appear to have solved the mysterious disappearance of an Indore-based honeymooning couple, Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi. What began as a missing persons case has now turned into a shocking tale of betrayal and murder, with the wife emerging as the alleged murderer.
How Police Cracked The Case
The couple had traveled to Meghalaya in May for their honeymoon. However, by May 23, they had reportedly gone missing from the popular tourist destination of Sohra (Cherrapunjee). The case took a grim turn on June 2, when the body of Raja Raghuvanshi was discovered in a deep gorge near the picturesque Weisawdong Falls. His jewelry – a gold ring and neck chain- were missing, raising suspicions of foul play.
A crucial breakthrough came on June 7, when a local tourist guide informed police that the couple had not been alone. On the day they vanished, they were seen with three unidentified men, the guide said. This claim aligned with other clues collected from the scene and led investigators to broaden their probe into a possible murder conspiracy.
Within days, more evidence surfaced. A bloodstained machete was recovered from the area, followed by a raincoat—similar to one seen in a CCTV recording from a homestay where the couple had stayed. This footage showed Sonam wearing the same raincoat, strengthening suspicions about her involvement.
Investigators also found the couple's rented scooter abandoned in Sohrarim village, with the keys still in place. The distance between where the scooter was discovered and the gorge where Raja's body was found added to the mystery and raised concerns about premeditation.
The turning point came on June 9, when Sonam Raghuvanshi was traced to Uttar Pradesh. She surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Ghazipur and was immediately taken into custody. The Meghalaya DGP, Idashisha Nongrang, confirmed her arrest and stated that Sonam had allegedly hired three hitmen to murder her husband during their honeymoon.
In coordinated overnight raids, the police also arrested the three alleged assailants. According to police sources, the men confessed that Sonam had orchestrated the killing. Further investigation revealed that she was allegedly in a relationship with another man, Raj Khushwaha, who has been named the main conspirator in the case. Call records have reportedly confirmed frequent communication between Sonam and Khushwaha, lending weight to suspicions of a preexisting affair.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma congratulated the police for cracking the case. 'Within 7 days a major breakthrough has been achieved by the Meghalaya Police in the Raja murder case… 3 assailants who are from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, female has surrendered and operation still on to catch 1 more assailant… well done," he posted on X.
Sources say Sonam and Raj knew each other before she got married to Raja. Sources also add that it was Sonam who booked tickets for their honeymoon.
Authorities are now expanding their operation to Madhya Pradesh to arrest Khushwaha. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by a Superintendent of Police and supported by four Deputy Superintendents, is spearheading the ongoing probe.
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