In a shocking murder case that began with a honeymoon trip and ended in tragedy, police have now recovered a pistol from the home of Raj Kushwaha, the man accused of plotting the killing of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. The investigation, which spans across three states, continues to reveal disturbing details of what authorities believe was a well-planned conspiracy.
A team from Meghalaya Police, currently stationed in Indore, recovered a pistol believed to belong to Raj Kushwaha, who is accused of masterminding the murder with the help of Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.
“We have recovered a pistol during our search operations in Indore. It belongs to Raja Kushwaha,” confirmed Vivek Syiem, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills told The Indian Express. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the weapon was licensed or how it was acquired.
Police are also actively searching for a laptop belonging to Sonam, which they suspect could hold crucial digital evidence—such as messages or emails—that may help prove coordination between her and Raj before the crime took place.
Who Is Involved?
The case has so far led to the arrest of eight individuals, including:
Raj Kushwaha – Alleged mastermind
Sonam Raghuvanshi – Raja’s wife, accused of being involved in the plot
Lokendra Singh Tomar – Arrested for allegedly helping Sonam hide and tampering with evidence
Silome James (property dealer) and Balla Ahirwar (security guard) – Also arrested for aiding Sonam during the investigation
How It Unfolded
Raja and Sonam were married in an arranged match earlier this year. In May, they set off on a honeymoon to the scenic hills of Meghalaya. Within days, the couple was reported missing. After an intense search, Raja’s body was found at the bottom of a gorge near the Wei Sawdong waterfalls in East Khasi Hills. He had suffered fatal head injuries.
What seemed like a tragic accident at first quickly turned into a murder investigation when police learned of Sonam’s close relationship with Raj Kushwaha, whom she had allegedly dated before marrying Raja. Authorities believe that Sonam and Raj remained in contact even after her wedding, and may have plotted Raja’s murder together.
Investigators say that killers were hired to follow the couple to Meghalaya, attack Raja in an isolated area, and dump his body in the ravine. Sonam, meanwhile, is believed to have helped cover up the crime. After the murder, she went into hiding, staying in a friend’s flat in Madhya Pradesh before finally surrendering at a police station in Uttar Pradesh.
Why This Case Matters
This case has captured national attention not just for its brutality, but for its deeply personal betrayal. A newlywed man killed during his honeymoon—allegedly by his wife and her former lover—has sparked outrage and concern over how quickly a seemingly happy occasion turned into a fatal trap.
The police are now working to recover Sonam’s laptop, gather call records, and link physical and digital evidence to build a watertight case. With multiple arrests and a growing body of evidence, authorities say the truth behind Raja Raghuvanshi’s death is steadily coming to light.
What’s Next?
Police are expected to file a detailed chargesheet in the coming weeks. The investigation is still ongoing, with coordination between police in Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Forensic experts are reviewing the recovered pistol, and efforts to track the digital footprint left behind by the accused are continuing.