In a case that has stunned the nation, the mysterious disappearance of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has now been confirmed as a meticulously planned murder—allegedly orchestrated by none other than his new bride, Sonam Raghuvanshi. Now referred to as the “honeymoon murder,” this chilling case has taken several disturbing turns, revealing a plot that may have been conceived even before the couple got married on May 11.
A Disappearance That Turned into a Murder Probe
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi were last seen on May 23, having reportedly gone missing during their honeymoon in the picturesque East Khasi Hills district. A week later, on June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra, also known as Cherrapunji. The body bore severe head injuries, and suspicions immediately began to mount.
By June 3, just a day after Raja’s body was recovered, Meghalaya Police had already begun suspecting Sonam’s direct involvement. What seemed like a tragic accident was quickly turning into a calculated murder investigation.
Meghalaya Police Crack the Case
According to Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, several of the arrested accused have confessed to the crime, pointing clearly to Sonam as the mastermind. “The moment we picked Sonam, being the prime suspect, we came to know she is fully involved,” he said.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of 20 officers led the inquiry into the case, now code-named “Operation Honeymoon”. With over 120 personnel involved, the police moved swiftly across states, arresting suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Sonam herself surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, before being flown to Shillong under tight security on the night of June 4. She and four other accused are being produced before a local court, and the police have sought custodial interrogation to further investigate the web of deceit.
Pre-Meditated Plot: A Marriage Built on a Lie?
What makes this case even more spine-chilling is the growing suspicion that the murder plot was hatched even before the marriage took place. According to police officials in Indore, Raj Kushwaha, a key co-conspirator, had been in contact with the killers weeks before the wedding. On May 17, just days after the marriage, three men allegedly left from Indore for Meghalaya carrying ₹50,000 in cash and a mobile phone—supplied by Kushwaha.
Shockingly, it appears Kushwaha deliberately stayed back to avoid drawing attention to himself. Meanwhile, Sonam allegedly carried ₹9 lakh in cash and gold jewelry with her on the honeymoon trip—assets that her mother-in-law, Uma Raghuvanshi, claims were taken from the family.
Adding further suspicion, Sonam allegedly did not book return tickets for the couple. This has led investigators to believe that Raja may have been lured to Meghalaya under the illusion of a romantic trip, only to be killed in cold blood.
Technology and Surveillance Aid the Probe
Thanks to CCTV footage from various tourist spots and local establishments, the police were able to retrace the couple’s last movements and connect the dots leading to the suspects. Speaking on the importance of surveillance, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem urged all homestays and tourist destinations to install functional CCTV systems, citing that even the smallest visual clue can become crucial evidence in such cases.
The swift progress in this investigation highlights how digital surveillance and interstate police coordination played a key role in solving what initially seemed to be a missing-person case.
A Tragic End to a Short-lived Marriage
The most heartbreaking aspect of this case is that Raja Raghuvanshi was allegedly betrayed and murdered by someone he had just vowed to spend his life with. Barely two weeks into their marriage, Raja became the victim of a calculated and cold-blooded crime—possibly motivated by money, manipulation, or personal vendettas.
While the motives are still being thoroughly investigated, one thing is clear: this is not just a case of personal betrayal, but a serious reminder about the dark side of human intentions and how easily trust can be weaponized.
Final Thoughts
The “honeymoon murder” case involving Sonam Raghuvanshi is a harrowing tale that underlines the depths of deception people are capable of. As more facts emerge in the coming days, the country waits with bated breath to see justice delivered for Raja Raghuvanshi—a young man who likely had no idea that his wedding vows would become a death sentence.
