What began as a romantic journey to celebrate their new life together ended in a cold-blooded murder that stunned the nation. Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, newlyweds from Indore, had chosen Meghalaya—a land of pristine landscapes and mystical bridges—for their honeymoon. But their fairytale turned into a chilling crime story that’s left families, police, and the country in shock.
The Wedding and the Change in Plans
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi tied the knot on May 11, 2025, in a traditional ceremony in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Nine days later, on May 20, the couple set off for their honeymoon. Originally, the plan was to visit Kashmir. But amid fresh reports of terror threats in the valley, the couple made a last-minute change. They chose the scenic and relatively quieter Meghalaya instead—a place known for its natural wonders, especially the unique living root bridges of Cherrapunji and Nongriat.
Into the Wild Beauty of Nongriat
On May 22, the couple reached the serene village of Mawlakhiyat. From there, they rented a scooter and embarked on the arduous trek of over 3,000 steps down to the famed living roots bridges in Nongriat village. The area is popular with eco-tourists, trekkers, and honeymooners alike. According to locals, the couple checked into a homestay in Nongriat, spent the night peacefully, and were seen leaving the next morning.
But then, Raja went missing.
A Body is Found, and a Murder is Uncovered
Days later, Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was discovered, sending shockwaves through the state. At first, there were few clues. The couple had seemed happy. Locals hadn’t noticed anything unusual. But as police began to dig deeper, a disturbing story began to emerge—a story of betrayal, deception, and a meticulously planned murder.
According to East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem, investigations revealed that the murder was not spontaneous—it was orchestrated. The prime suspect was none other than Sonam Raghuvanshi herself, allegedly conspiring with her lover and hired killers to murder her husband during their honeymoon.
A Network of Killers and One Fatal Mistake
As the investigation unfolded, the police arrested three men connected to the case. The first arrest was made in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, where a man identified as Rajput was taken into custody. The second suspect, Chauhan, was picked up from Indore, and the third, Kushwaha, also from Indore, was later detained. All were believed to be part of the conspiracy.
The breakthrough came when investigators discovered that Sonam had been in contact with one of the killers just days before the couple left for Meghalaya. Her mobile phone location also placed her in close proximity to the hired hitmen before she disappeared from the scene after Raja’s murder.
It was clear that the honeymoon had been a smokescreen for something far more sinister.
The Arrest of Sonam: A Traceable Call Home
Sonam went missing following the murder, evading law enforcement for days. But it wasn’t a high-tech sting or a detailed police operation that led to her capture—it was a simple request for a phone call.
A few days after vanishing, Sonam surfaced at 'Kashi Dhaba' on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road in Uttar Pradesh. There, she reportedly asked an employee for a phone to call her parents in Indore. That one phone call proved to be her undoing. The Madhya Pradesh Police were able to trace the call and pinpoint her location.
Soon after, the Uttar Pradesh Police were alerted. She was arrested at the dhaba and taken to the Nandganj police station in Ghazipur district.
Medical Checkup and Police Custody
Following her arrest, Sonam was sent for a medical examination at Sadar Hospital. Authorities then placed her at a one-stop centre, a government-supported facility that provides assistance to women in distress, offering both medical and legal aid.
However, her stay there was brief. At around 6:30 PM on Monday, a team of Meghalaya Police arrived and took her into custody. She is now expected to face charges related to her husband’s murder and the criminal conspiracy behind it.
A Murder Rooted in Betrayal
While the motive is still under investigation, police believe that the murder stemmed from an affair Sonam was allegedly having with one of the conspirators. Her relationship with Raja may have been a facade, and the honeymoon was merely the chosen setting for a crime designed to look like an accident or disappearance in a remote area.
The fact that the killers followed the couple to such a remote location and managed to carry out the crime undetected shows a level of premeditation that has stunned even experienced investigators.
A Stark Reminder
This horrifying case serves as a grim reminder that sometimes the most shocking betrayals happen behind the veil of love and trust. Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder is not just a criminal case—it’s a tragic tale of deception, misplaced love, and a young man’s life cut short just days into his marriage.
The Road Ahead
The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the police interrogate Sonam and her accomplices. The story is far from over, but for now, the case has taken a crucial turn with the arrests.
The people of Meghalaya, and indeed the entire nation, watch closely as justice begins its course. What was meant to be a celebration of life became a murder mystery, unfolding in one of the most peaceful corners of the country.
