What began as a romantic honeymoon in the serene hills of Meghalaya has turned into one of the most shocking murder mysteries of the year. The mysterious disappearance of newlyweds from Indore had already gripped public attention, but the case has now taken a gruesome and chilling turn. The brutal murder of Raja Raghuvanshi has been traced back to a sinister conspiracy masterminded not by a stranger, but by his own wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.
Police have arrested Sonam for allegedly hiring contract killers to murder her husband. Three other suspects, all from Madhya Pradesh, have also been detained. The couple had reached Meghalaya about 17 days ago to celebrate their honeymoon. What should have been a dreamy vacation soon turned into a horrifying nightmare.
On June 2, Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was discovered in a deep gorge, covered in wounds that revealed a story of cruel violence. Now, with Sonam in custody, the truth behind the crime is slowly unraveling.
Sonam was apprehended at a roadside eatery in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district. However, the circumstances of her capture remain contentious. While her father claims she surrendered, UP Police maintain that her arrest was a result of strategic efforts and timely intelligence. Along with Sonam, four others were detained following a tip-off from a local guide.
Sonam, currently in a distressed and silent state, appears to be carrying untold secrets. What led a newlywed bride to plan her husband’s murder? Here is a day-by-day timeline of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case:
May 11, 2025 – The Wedding Vows
Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam tied the knot in Indore. They planned a honeymoon in the tranquil mountains of Meghalaya.
May 20, 2025 – The Journey Begins
The couple traveled via Bengaluru to Guwahati. After visiting Kamakhya Temple, they proceeded to Shillong on May 22.
May 22, 2025 – Romantic Adventures
They stayed at a homestay in Mawlyngkhat village and rented a scooter. Dressed in white shirt and raincoat, Sonam rode pillion as Raja drove. They visited the famous Living Root Bridge and Double Decker Bridge. Everything seemed picture-perfect.
May 23, 2025 – The Silence Begins
That morning, Sonam informed her mother-in-law about fasting and sightseeing. However, by noon, both their phones were switched off. By evening, their abandoned scooter was found in a remote area, key still in the ignition. This became the first major lead in the case.
May 24, 2025 – Rising Anxiety
Unable to reach the couple, Raja’s brother Vipin rushed to Shillong and filed a police report. Using Google data, the family traced the scooter rental agency. A search was initiated but led nowhere.
May 25, 2025 – Twists Emerge
The case reached state authorities. NDRF and SDRF were deployed, but heavy rains delayed the search.
According to a Dainik Bhaskar report, Sonam wasn’t missing. She had already boarded a train back to Indore on this day and was hiding at the home of her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha. She later fled to Varanasi and then to Ghazipur.
May 27, 2025 – Discovery in the Wilderness
Police located the couple’s rented scooter. Drones spotted two bags in a gorge, reigniting hope. But neither Raja nor Sonam was found.
May 28, 2025 – Political Pressure
Indore MP Shankar Lalwani met Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and the DGP. The search operations intensified.
May 29–31, 2025 – Hope Drenched in Rain
Continuous rainfall hampered search efforts. The family’s hope waned with each passing day.
June 2, 2025 – The Body is Found
Raja’s body was discovered near the Weisawdong Falls, 20 km from Nongriat. His identity was confirmed through a ‘Raja’ tattoo, his smartwatch, and a white shirt believed to belong to Sonam. His phone screen was smashed, and a sharp-edged weapon—possibly used in the murder—was found nearby.
June 3, 2025 – Postmortem Report Confirms Murder
The autopsy confirmed death by a sharp weapon, pointing toward a well-planned homicide. Suspicion began to mount against Sonam.
June 7, 2025 – Demand for CBI Probe
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav urged the home minister to involve the CBI. CCTV footage emerged showing the couple checking into their hotel together.
June 8, 2025 – The Guide Speaks Up
A local guide revealed that three Hindi-speaking men were seen with the couple strengthening the murder-for-hire theory.
June 9, 2025 – Sonam Surrenders
At around 2:00 a.m., Sonam surrendered through her brother at a roadside eatery in Ghazipur. She was sent to a one-stop center. Her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and three others Vishal Singh, Anand Kurmi, and Akash Rajput were also detained.
June 10, 2025 – Sonam Taken to Meghalaya
Sonam was escorted from Patna Airport to Kolkata, then to Guwahati, en route to Meghalaya for further investigation.
This murder case exposes not just a horrifying crime but also the emotional and psychological fractures that can lie beneath seemingly perfect relationships. As investigations continue, the nation watches closely searching for answers in a love story gone tragically wrong.
