In one of the most chilling and disturbing murder cases of the year, 27-year-old Sonam Raghuvanshi has been accused of orchestrating the killing of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. What began as a seemingly happy post-wedding trip turned into a calculated murder-for-hire plot involving contract killers, deception, and betrayal within days of the couple's marriage.
A Honeymoon That Turned Deadly
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi were married on May 11. Just ten days later, they travelled from their hometown in Madhya Pradesh to the scenic state of Meghalaya for their honeymoon. On May 23, while trekking near the popular Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra (Cherrapunji), the couple reportedly went missing. Initially suspected to be a case of tourists losing their way in the forested terrain, the investigation soon took a dark turn.
On June 2, Raja’s body was recovered from the bottom of a gorge. His injuries and the surrounding evidence left no doubt—this was not an accident, but a premeditated murder.
The Murder Plot: Money and Motive
According to the Meghalaya Police, Sonam Raghuvanshi orchestrated her husband's murder with the help of her alleged boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, and three hired killers from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Investigations reveal that Sonam handed ₹15,000 in cash to the killers on the day of the murder—money she took from Raja's own wallet. This cash served as an advance.
The police further disclosed that Sonam had promised to pay ₹20 lakh to the contract killers after the job was done. It is believed that this money was to be arranged post-murder. There are conflicting reports suggesting that the original agreed amount was ₹4 lakh, but this was increased during negotiations.
Arrests Across States
The case quickly expanded beyond Meghalaya, with investigations spanning multiple states. Sonam surrendered to the police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 8, after intense media coverage and growing pressure. She was arrested and transported to Shillong via Patna, Kolkata, and Guwahati under tight police security.
Her alleged accomplice and boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, was arrested a day earlier. The three contract killers were also apprehended—two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Madhya Pradesh. They had allegedly posed as tourists to gain Raja’s trust before executing the plan.
“She Insisted on the Killing,” Claims Raj Kushwaha
In his police statement, Raj Kushwaha claimed that he had backed out of the plan at the last minute and advised the hired killers not to proceed. However, Sonam insisted on going through with the murder. Raj told police that Sonam was desperate and offered ₹15 lakh to ensure the killing would happen.
“Raj claims he didn’t travel to Meghalaya but stayed in contact with Sonam throughout. He says he wanted to withdraw but Sonam pushed the killers to continue. These are his claims—we are verifying them,” a senior police officer involved in the investigation told media outlets.
Raj also confirmed that Sonam had booked travel tickets for all three men, who later joined the couple in Meghalaya under the pretense of being fellow tourists.
From Bride to Mastermind
The idea that Sonam could turn from newlywed to suspected killer in under two weeks has shocked both the public and the authorities. Meghalaya police officers escorting Sonam during her transfer journey noted that she remained mostly silent, offering little explanation for her actions.
Residents of Meghalaya have voiced concern about the murder tarnishing the image of the peaceful hill state. Local communities have held peaceful rallies in Sohra and Shillong, expressing sorrow for the victim and requesting the public not to associate this tragedy with the local people or the region's hospitality.
Public Reaction and Media Sensation
The case has gripped national headlines, fueled by the shocking betrayal and methodical execution of the crime. A video even surfaced showing one of the arrested killers being slapped by a co-passenger at Indore airport during transfer—reflecting the intense public outrage.
The news has sparked widespread conversation around issues like premeditated spousal murders, toxic relationships, and the exploitation of remote tourist destinations for criminal acts.
Police Reconstructing the Crime
Meghalaya Police are preparing for a crime scene reconstruction by bringing Sonam and the accused killers back to Sohra. They hope this step will reveal more details about the sequence of events on May 23 and provide clarity on each suspect’s role.
Investigators are also reviewing digital communications between Sonam and Raj, phone records, financial transactions, and CCTV footage from hotels and travel hubs to establish a detailed timeline.
Final Thoughts
The Meghalaya honeymoon murder case is more than just a story of betrayal—it is a sobering reminder of how deeply malice can be masked behind the façade of love. Raja Raghuvanshi had no idea that the person he had just married would allegedly become the architect of his death days later. While the police continue their investigation, and court proceedings will follow, the nation watches with disbelief and sorrow.
Justice may take time, but with the suspects in custody and mounting evidence, the wheels of the legal system are now in motion. Raja's family, devastated and still reeling from the loss, seeks closure—and answers.
