Honeymoon Horror: Indore Man Murdered in Meghalaya, Wife and Four Others Arrested
What began as a romantic getaway ended in bloodshed and betrayal—investigators uncover a chilling murder plot involving the victim’s wife and her alleged lover.
Shillong, June 10: The mists of Meghalaya, once a haven for newlyweds, now hang over a dark tragedy. What began as a honeymoon in the hill town of Sohra ended with a young man’s body found mutilated in a gorge and a growing trail of betrayal unraveling across states.
Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old from Indore, had only been married a dozen days when his life ended abruptly, the victim of what investigators are calling a cold-blooded, pre-planned murder. His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and four others—including her alleged lover—now sit in custody, facing charges that have stunned two families and a nation.
A Trip That Should Have Been a Beginning
According to police records, Raja and Sonam married on May 11, in what relatives describe as a traditional ceremony attended by hundreds. Their honeymoon destination changed at the last minute—Kashmir was ruled out over security concerns, so the couple booked a trip to Meghalaya, arriving in Shillong on May 21.
Two days later, on May 23, they headed out to trek the steep paths near Wei Sawdong Falls, one of the region’s more secluded tourist trails. They never returned. Locals found their rented scooter abandoned near the start of the trail, its keys still in the ignition.
For ten days, there was silence. Then, on June 2, Raja’s body was found hundreds of feet below in a gorge. The terrain was so rugged, rescue teams had to rappel down with drone assistance. A post-mortem report later confirmed the cause of death: two deep wounds to the head, delivered with a sharp weapon—likely a machete.
From Affair to Assassination: The Accused and Their Trail
What followed was a swift and unsettling series of revelations. Sonam Raghuvanshi, police now allege, was not a grieving widow, but the central figure in a carefully orchestrated killing. Authorities believe she conspired with Raj Kushwaha, a 21-year-old employee at her father’s textile firm, with whom she had reportedly maintained an intimate relationship even after her marriage.
According to Meghalaya Police, phone records showed Sonam and Raj spoke for nearly six hours just days before the couple left for the northeast. During that time, investigators believe they finalized the details of the plot, including hiring three alleged contract killers—identified as Vishal, Akash, and Anand.
These men, all from Indore, allegedly travelled eastward via Bihar and Guwahati, reuniting with the couple in Sohra. Their cover: fellow trekkers. A local guide, Albert Pde, later told police he spotted the couple on the stairs to Wei Sawdong Falls with three strangers. Hours later, Raja was dead.
Arrests Across States, A Sudden Surrender
The arrests came quickly. On June 8, joint police teams tracked and detained the three killers from locations in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Raj was arrested in Indore. That night, Sonam surfaced dramatically near a roadside dhaba on the Varanasi–Ghazipur highway, weeping and calling for help. Video captured by the dhaba’s owner showed her in clear distress.
But Raja’s family isn’t convinced by the display. His brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, told reporters that Sonam’s surrender looked too polished—like theatre meant to distract from guilt. He insists the surrender was “staged,” and called for a CBI investigation, citing potential gaps in the state-led inquiry.
Chat Leak Deepens the Divide
Adding a new layer to the case, News24 released a report this week featuring a purported chat between Sonam and Raj. In the conversation, she allegedly wrote that she felt “uncomfortable” when Raja came close to her.
The authenticity of the chat has not yet been confirmed by police, but it has added emotional weight to an already volatile story. In the viral thread, many have questioned whether Sonam was coerced into the marriage—or if discomfort was used as a justification for something more sinister.
A Family Grieves, and a Sister Speaks Out
The Raghuvanshi family remains shattered. Uma Raghuvanshi, the victim’s mother, has demanded life imprisonment for all five accused. She told media, visibly broken, “We gave her a home. She returned our son’s life in pieces.”
Shrasti Raghuvanshi, Raja’s younger sister and a social media influencer, has used her platform to share old videos and demand justice. While some followers have praised her for her strength, others criticized her for posting content so soon after the tragedy—a reminder of how public mourning today invites both sympathy and scrutiny.
What the Police Know—And What’s Next
Authorities say they’ve recovered a machete traced to one of the accused, along with a raincoat believed to be worn during the murder. Digital forensics are also underway on phones seized from all suspects.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by SP Herbert Kharkongor, is now examining financial transactions, travel logs, and call histories. All five accused are currently held in Shillong, awaiting further hearings.
Missing items from Raja’s person—including over ₹10 lakh in jewellery—have yet to be accounted for, raising suspicions that theft may have played a role alongside emotional motive.
A Case That Has Gripped a Nation
The story has transfixed the public—not just because of its brutality, but because of the emotions it unearths: betrayal, manipulation, and loss. In online forums and tea shops alike, people are asking the same question: How could a honeymoon end in murder?
As the legal process moves forward and the investigation deepens, one truth remains: a young man trusted the person beside him. That trust, police say, was his undoing.
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Deepak Singh is a Legal Expert & Geopolitical Commentator with a deep focus on Law, Crime, and Geopolitics. With a passion for analyzing complex legal issues and global political affairs, Deepak offers valuable insights into contemporary legal reforms, criminal justice systems, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. His expertise blends a rigorous understanding of law with a keen eye for international relations, making his contributions both insightful and thought-provoking. Deepak shares his perspectives through professional platforms, ensuring his work adheres to the ethical standards expected in his field.
