Sonam Raghuvanshi, Meghalaya murder case, Raja Raghuvanshi, Honeymoon horror
Indore: Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is accused of plotting to murder her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya just days after their wedding, allegedly paid ₹20 lakh to contract killers following the murder, as stated by a Meghalaya Police officer. The officer further revealed that she initially provided ₹15,000 in cash to the attackers, which she had taken directly from her husband’s wallet during the incident.
On Tuesday, Sonam Raghuvanshi was apprehended by Meghalaya Police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where she had turned herself in to the authorities. She was subsequently transported to Shillong that same night. Her surrender occurred a day after the arrest of her purported boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, along with three suspected contract killers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in relation to the murder.
“Raj Kushwaha asserts that he did not intend to assist Sonam and at the last minute, he canceled his plan to travel to Meghalaya. He also allegedly instructed the three others not to proceed, but they went to Meghalaya after Sonam booked the tickets. Even at the final moment, the three refused to commit the murder, but Sonam insisted and promised to pay ₹15 lakh for it. Police are currently verifying these statements,” a senior police officer from Indore, collaborating with the Meghalaya police on the investigation, informed Opinion Class.
“She remained mostly silent throughout the journey,” a Meghalaya police officer remarked, referring to Sonam’s transfer route—from Ghazipur to Patna, followed by flights to Kolkata, Guwahati, and ultimately Shillong.
The case took a disturbing turn on Monday when unsettling details surfaced, indicating that Sonam and her partner Raj Kushwaha were allegedly implicated in Raja’s murder, just days after reports emerged that the couple had gone “missing” during their honeymoon. The couple was married on May 11 and traveled to Meghalaya on May 21. They were reported missing on May 23. Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was found on June 2 in a gorge near a waterfall in Sohra, situated in the East Khasi Hills district.
Raja murdered with dao (machete), valuables were taken: FIR
Investigators suspect that the murder was premeditated by Sonam and her purported lover Raj Kushwaha, both from Indore.
Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, stated, “The FIR explicitly indicates that Raja was killed with a dao (machete) and his possessions were stolen. Sonam’s role in financing the assassins and offering a substantial amount afterward strongly suggests a conspiracy. We are examining all evidence to guarantee a comprehensive investigation.”
A senior police official from Indore, who is aiding the Meghalaya police in the inquiry, mentioned that Raj Kushwaha claimed he withdrew his support for Sonam at the last minute and chose not to travel to Meghalaya.
“Raj Kushwaha asserts that he did not wish to assist Sonam and canceled his plans to go to Meghalaya at the last moment. He also reportedly advised the three others against going, but they proceeded to Meghalaya after Sonam booked their tickets. Even at the final moment, the three refused to commit the murder, but Sonam insisted, offering ₹15 lakhs for the act. The police are verifying these statements,” the officer remarked.
According to a Meghalaya Police officer, the accused acted under Sonam’s direction, and the murder plot was allegedly conceived by her in collaboration with Kushwaha.
Details of the murder execution shared by the killers
A Meghalaya police officer reported that the alleged murderers stated Sonam feigned exhaustion just before arriving at the murder site. She supposedly positioned them behind Raja and, upon reaching a secluded area, allegedly directed them to execute the killing.
The officer further noted that they plan to bring Sonam and the three alleged murderers to the crime scene to reenact the events.
“We require confirmation of the sequence from her and the killers,” the officer remarked, adding that Sonam would also be taken to the location where she allegedly assisted in disposing of the body. “We also intend to confront her, Kushwaha, and the alleged murderers with the evidence we have gathered.”
As per the police, the suspect pretended to be a tourist, formed a friendship with the couple, and carried out the scheme.
While Raj Kushwaha did not travel with Sonam to Meghalaya, investigators indicated that he maintained phone contact with her during that period, based on his statements.
