In a shocking turn of events, Sonam Raghuvanshi, a 25-year-old woman from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested on June 9, 2025, in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The case, which has gripped the nation with its chilling details, has revealed a complex web of conspiracy, betrayal, and calculated crime, unraveling the mystery surrounding the couple’s disappearance in the scenic hills of Meghalaya.
Background of the Case
Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old transport businessman from Indore, and his newlywed wife, Sonam, embarked on their honeymoon to Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district on May 20, 2025, just nine days after their wedding on May 11. The couple, described by family as excited for their new life together, checked into a homestay in the Sohra (Cherrapunjee) area on May 22, arriving on a rented scooter. However, the couple vanished under mysterious circumstances on May 23, sparking a frantic search by local authorities and raising alarm among their families.
On June 2, 2025, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge near Mawlakhiat village, approximately 20 kilometers from their homestay. His body bore injuries consistent with foul play, and police recovered a bloodstained machete, a broken mobile phone, and other personal items, including a white shirt believed to belong to Sonam, near the site. The discovery fueled suspicions of murder, with initial theories suggesting a possible robbery gone wrong. Sonam, however, remained missing, prompting widespread speculation about her fate, with her family alleging abduction and demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.
Sonam’s Arrest and Shocking Revelations
The case took a dramatic turn on June 9, 2025, when Sonam Raghuvanshi surrendered to the police at the Nandganj police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and was subsequently arrested. According to Meghalaya’s Director General of Police (DGP), I. Nongrang, Sonam confessed to orchestrating her husband’s murder, allegedly hiring four assailants to carry out the killing during their honeymoon. Three of these assailants were apprehended in overnight raids, while the fourth remains at large, with police continuing their manhunt.
Investigations revealed that Sonam had meticulously planned the crime. CCTV footage from the Shillong homestay where the couple stayed on May 22 showed Sonam behaving suspiciously, repeatedly stepping away from Raja to use her phone, appearing restless. This footage, combined with the recovery of her white shirt near Raja’s body, raised early suspicions about her involvement. Police sources indicate that Sonam had contacted the hired killers prior to the couple’s disappearance, orchestrating the murder to take place in the remote, rugged terrain of Meghalaya, possibly to obscure the crime.
Timeline of Events
- May 11, 2025: Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi marry in Indore.
- May 20, 2025: The couple travels to Meghalaya for their honeymoon.
- May 22, 2025: CCTV footage captures Raja and Sonam arriving at a Shillong homestay on a rented scooter. Sonam is seen wearing a white shirt and acting restlessly, frequently stepping away to use her phone.
- May 23, 2025: The couple goes missing from the Sohra area. A tourist guide later claims they were accompanied by three unidentified men on the day of their disappearance.
- May 24, 2025 : The rented scooter is found abandoned near a ditch, raising alarm.
- June 2, 2025: Raja’s body is discovered in a gorge, identified by a “Raja” tattoo on his right hand. Evidence suggests foul play, with a bloodstained machete and scattered belongings found nearby.
- June 4, 2025: Raja’s funeral is held in Indore, attended by grieving relatives who criticize the Meghalaya police for their handling of the case.
- June 7, 2025: New CCTV footage emerges, showing Sonam and Raja at the homestay. Sonam’s family, led by her brother Govind and father Devi Singh, demands a CBI probe, alleging abduction and police negligence.
- June 9, 2025: Sonam surrenders in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and is arrested. Police reveal she hired assailants to kill Raja. Three suspects are arrested, with a fourth still at large.
Investigation and Public Reaction
The Meghalaya police, led by East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The SIT’s findings, combined with Sonam’s confession, have shifted the narrative from a suspected abduction to a premeditated murder. The motive behind the crime remains under investigation, with police exploring personal, financial, or relational factors that may have driven Sonam to plan her husband’s killing just days after their marriage.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief across India, with social media platforms buzzing with discussions about the betrayal and the swift unraveling of a seemingly happy marriage. In Indore, posters outside Sonam’s in-laws’ home, which once pleaded for her safe return with the message “Sonam Raghuvanshi’s call: when will she see her home again?” now stand as a haunting reminder of the case’s tragic twist. Sonam’s family, who had earlier accused the Meghalaya police of negligence and suspected her abduction, has gone silent following her arrest, grappling with the shocking revelations.
Ongoing Developments
The Meghalaya police, in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh authorities, are continuing their investigation to uncover the full details of the murder plot, including the identities and roles of the hired assailants. The case has also drawn political attention, with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state Congress President Jitendra Patwari meeting Raja’s family to offer condolences and support. Earlier demands for a CBI probe, backed by both families, have been overshadowed by Sonam’s arrest, though some relatives still call for a deeper investigation to ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
As the nation awaits further updates, the tragic tale of Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi serves as a grim reminder of hidden motives and the fragility of trust, even in the most intimate relationships. The Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, with its layers of deception and violence, continues to captivate and horrify, as authorities work to deliver justice for Raja Raghuvanshi.