Shocking Honeymoon Murder in Meghalaya: In a case that has stunned the nation, a newlywed woman from Indore, Sonam Raghuvanshi, has been arrested for allegedly plotting and executing the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The horrifying crime took place in the scenic East Khasi Hills region, where the couple had gone missing on May 23.
According to the Meghalaya Police, Sonam allegedly hired contract killers to murder her husband. After days of investigation and cross-state raids, she was found at a roadside dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in an unconscious state. She later surrendered under pressure at the Nandganj police station and was taken into custody.
Timeline of the Crime
The couple began their trip by checking into a guesthouse in Shillong on May 21. On May 22, they rented a scooter and headed to Cherrapunjee (Sohra), eventually staying at Shipara Homestay in Nongriat. They checked out the next morning at 6:00 am, reportedly to trek back alone.
On May 23, the last known sighting of the couple was reported by a local guide who saw them accompanied by three unidentified men ascending a steep trail toward Mawlakhiat. The couple then vanished.
The mystery deepened when their rented scooty was found abandoned in Sohrarim village the following day. Ten days later, on June 2, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge beneath the Weisawdong Falls parking lot. A machete, suspected to be the murder weapon, was recovered nearby.
Arrests and Investigation Progress
Acting swiftly, the Meghalaya Police launched a multi-state manhunt. With the help of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), they arrested three suspects—one from Uttar Pradesh and two from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The accused reportedly confessed to being hired by Sonam for the murder.
On June 8, Sonam surfaced in Ghazipur and surrendered. Senior police official Dalton P Marak confirmed that she gave in under pressure and will be brought back to Meghalaya for court proceedings.
Police now confirm four arrests have been made, and the hunt is on for a fifth suspect.
Family Denies Allegations, Demands CBI Probe
Meanwhile, Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, has come forward to defend his daughter amidst the growing accusations. He has firmly denied all charges against her, insisting that Sonam is innocent and has been wrongly framed in the case. He accused the Meghalaya Police of misleading the public and fabricating evidence.
According to him, Sonam was not arrested by the police in Meghalaya, as reported, but had reached the dhaba in Ghazipur on her own and voluntarily surrendered to the local police. He emphasized that the police are twisting the narrative and demanded that the case be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), an independent national agency, to ensure a fair and unbiased probe.
In his words:
“My daughter is innocent. The police are lying. She reached Ghazipur on her own and was not arrested. Let a CBI inquiry happen, and the truth will come out,” he said, expressing frustration and disbelief at the allegations against his daughter.
Key Evidence and CCTV Footage
Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage and GPS data from the couple’s journey. Footage captured the couple in Shillong and later along the route to Cherrapunjee. Analysis suggests that additional people accompanied them, reinforcing the conspiracy theory.
A guide who spoke with the couple noted Sonam’s composed demeanor and her use of English during the trek planning. Her confidence during interactions, in hindsight, now appears calculated.
Meghalaya CM Applauds Police Work
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma praised the police, tweeting:
“Within 7 days, a major breakthrough has been achieved by the #MeghalayaPolice in the Raja murder case… Well done!”
This case, now dubbed the “Honeymoon Murder”, has captivated public attention due to its gruesome nature and the betrayal involved. As Sonam prepares to face legal proceedings in Meghalaya, the nation watches closely, awaiting justice for the victim, Raja Raghuvanshi.
