By Qalam Times News Network
In a haunting turn of events, what was meant to be a romantic honeymoon in the picturesque hills of Meghalaya ended in tragedy, deceit, and a calculated murder. Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed from Uttar Pradesh, was brutally murdered during his honeymoon, allegedly at the behest of his wife Sonam and her lover Raj Kushwaha—who coordinated the crime from afar in Indore.
According to investigators from the Meghalaya Police, Sonam and Raj were in a secret relationship and meticulously planned Raja’s murder during the couple’s post-wedding trip. The intent was clear: to isolate and eliminate Raja in a remote part of Meghalaya, far from suspicion and easy rescue.
A Honeymoon with Hidden Shadows
Raja and Sonam were married on 11 May and began their honeymoon on 20 May, arriving in Shillong on the evening of 21 May. Unbeknownst to Raja, three men—Akash Rajput, Anand Kurmi, and Vishal Singh Chauhan—had already landed in Shillong on 22 May. These men, close to Raj Kushwaha, started trailing the couple’s movements.
The next few days were a carefully orchestrated dance of deceit. Sonam and Raja rented a scooter and traveled through the scenic but secluded hills of Cherrapunji, including a trek to the remote Shipara Homestay in Nongriat village. The suspects continued following them closely, even reportedly interacting with Raja at one point in Cherrapunji—with Sonam present.
The Deadly Night
It is believed that Raja was killed in the early hours of 24 May, between 2 and 3 a.m. His phone, along with Sonam’s, had gone mysteriously silent around that time. Investigators suspect that the killers, acting under instructions from Raj Kushwaha over the phone, intercepted the couple during a trek and executed the murder with chilling precision.
The crime scene—a deep gorge beneath the parking lot near Wei Sawdong Falls in the remote Riat Arliang area—was chosen for its seclusion. Locals rarely venture there in the evenings due to the treacherous terrain. On 2 June, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered inside that gorge, ten days after the couple had vanished.
An autopsy later revealed that Raja had been struck twice on the head with a sharp object. A blood-stained machete, believed to be the murder weapon, was found near the body. Adding to the suspicion of premeditation, Raja’s gold ring and neck chain were missing—valuables his mother claims Sonam insisted he wear on the trip, jewellery worth nearly ₹10 lakh.
The Investigation Unravels the Web
Following Raja’s disappearance, Meghalaya Police launched a technical investigation involving call data records and CCTV footage. The evidence soon pointed to a grim conspiracy.
After the murder, Sonam and the three accomplices fled to Guwahati and later split up to avoid detection. Sonam resurfaced at a roadside dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where she was taken into custody in the early hours of Monday. She had reportedly surrendered at the Nandganj Police Station and was placed under arrest.
Despite mounting evidence, Sonam has maintained her innocence. She claimed she was abducted and lost consciousness after an alleged robbery attempt, only to awaken in Ghazipur with no memory of what had transpired. Police, however, are unconvinced. She has been named the prime accused.
Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi were later arrested from various locations in Madhya Pradesh. Three of them were presented in an Indore district court and granted a seven-day transit remand to Meghalaya Police for further interrogation. Police officials confirmed that the suspects had known each other before and were all connected through Kushwaha.
A Viral Video and Public Suspicion
As news of the gruesome murder spread, a wedding video clip surfaced online showing Raja applying vermilion to Sonam’s forehead—a moment traditionally marking marital sanctity. Viewers quickly noted Sonam’s blank expression, interpreting it as a sign of reluctance or unhappiness. The clip has since gone viral, fueling public outrage and suspicion.
A Tragic End
Raja’s family remains devastated. His mother has made further allegations against Sonam, stating that she manipulated Raja into wearing expensive jewellery and that he seemed uncomfortable during the wedding.
What started as a celebration of love ended in betrayal and death. The story of Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder has shocked the nation—not just for its brutality, but for the cold-blooded planning that spanned states and involved those he trusted most.
As investigations continue, the police are determined to uncover every layer of the conspiracy and ensure justice is served.
Qalam Times News Network will continue to follow this story as more revelations come to light.
