From calling Sonam Raghuvanshi as her “didi” (elder sister), to plotting her husband’s murder as her lover, Raj Kushwaha has been playing the game of deception over the past several months. The details of Raja Raghuvanshi murder case are shocking to say the least.
Nearly three weeks after the shocking disappearance and subsequent murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya, the case entered a crucial new phase today. Sonam Raghuvanshi, the 24-year-old wife and alleged mastermind behind her husband’s murder, was formally produced at a Shillong court, along with four co-accused, as police sought their custody to advance the investigation.
The court appearance, held amid tight security and heightened media attention, included Raj Singh Kushwaha reportedly Sonam’s lover and alleged co-conspirator as well as Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi (23), all accused of direct involvement in the Raghuvanshi murder plot.
The Crime That Shocked the Nation
The Raja Raghuvanshi case has gripped the country with its shocking twists. What appeared to be a routine honeymoon to the scenic Khasi Hills turned into a cold-blooded plot of love, betrayal, and premeditated murder. Raja and Sonam had been married just 13 days when they arrived in Meghalaya on May 21. By May 24, they were reported missing.
On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls, bearing severe head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. According to police, it was no accident but a murder, allegedly planned by Sonam and her associates before the couple even tied the knot.
Police Reveal Disturbing Details of a Premeditated Plot
The police investigation has uncovered a web of conspiracy. Sonam is believed to have coordinated with Raj Kushwaha, who stayed behind in Indore to avoid suspicion. Kushwaha allegedly arranged for three young men to travel to Meghalaya on May 17, supplying them with ₹50,000 in cash and a burner phone to carry out the murder.
On the day of the crime, CCTV footage and call records show Sonam was in direct communication with Kushwaha, who is said to have guided the operation remotely. After Raja was killed, the attackers fled the scene, destroying their phones and SIM cards in an effort to erase all digital footprints. Yet, investigators were able to recover enough data to identify their movements and establish a digital trail leading back to the accused.
The Great Escape and a Return to Face Justice
After the murder, Sonam didn’t report the incident. Instead, she went into hiding, traveling across multiple states by train using local transport to avoid detection. Her location remained unknown for 17 days until she was tracked down in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.
From there, she was moved under tight police escort to Patna, then flown to Guwahati, and finally transported by road to Shillong, arriving late on Tuesday night. A medical examination was conducted at Ganesh Das Hospital, where doctors found her physically weak but without any external injuries. Speculation about her possible pregnancy was dismissed. Doctors have since confirmed she is not pregnant, although an ultrasound has been advised for conclusive results.
Today in Court: Police Seek Custody, More Interrogation Likely
In today’s court proceedings, the Meghalaya Police formally requested custody of all five accused to continue their investigation. Sources indicate that the police plan to take the accused back to the crime scene near Sohra (Cherrapunji) to recreate the sequence of events which is a key step in establishing the timeline and roles of each participant.
Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed the development and said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is committed to building an airtight case with forensic, digital, and eyewitness evidence.
What Comes Next
The court’s decision on the police custody plea will likely determine the pace of further breakthroughs. Authorities are also exploring the financial motive, including the ₹9 lakh in cash and jewellery allegedly taken by Sonam before the honeymoon and whether more people were involved in aiding the accused during their escape.
As the case continues to unfold, questions remain. What was Sonam’s true motive? How long had the planning gone on before the wedding? And how did four young individuals from Indore get drawn into such a brutal conspiracy?
What is clear is this. The investigation is far from over. But with all key suspects now in custody and a mountain of digital and forensic evidence being assembled, the law is closing in on the truth behind one of India’s most disturbing recent crimes.
