In a shocking twist to a honeymoon tragedy, Sonam Raghuvanshi, wife of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, has been arrested for allegedly plotting his murder during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The couple had reportedly tied the knot on May 11 and left for their trip on May 20, just days before Raja went missing.
Timeline of Events
Raja was last seen on May 23, and his body was recovered on June 2 from a deep gorge in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills. Initially treated as a possible accident, the case took a dark turn when a machete — the suspected murder weapon — was discovered at the site.
Conspiracy Unfolds
Police now allege that Sonam, 25, conspired with her lover Raj Kushwaha, 20, to eliminate Raja. The two reportedly planned the murder just a week after the wedding, and hired three men — Vishal Chauhan, Anand Kumar, and Akash Rajput — to carry out the crime. All five suspects, including Sonam and Kushwaha, are now in custody.
Disappearance and Surrender
After Raja’s disappearance, Sonam was initially feared abducted. However, following a two-week manhunt, she was located at a dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh around 1 AM on Monday, June 3. Police say she surrendered under pressure after a series of arrests and nationwide raids.
Police Speak
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem confirmed that Sonam’s surrender came only after police arrested her accomplices, suggesting she surfaced when the net began to close in.
So far, five people have been arrested:
- Akash Rajput, 19 (Lalitpur, UP)
- Vishal Singh Chauhan, 22 (Indore, MP)
- Raj Singh Kushwaha, 21 (Indore, MP)
- Sonam Raghuvanshi, 25
- Anand Kurmi, 23 (Sagar, MP)
Details from the Tour Guide
A local tour guide, Albert Pde, revealed he had seen Raja walking with three men and Sonam near Nongriat village on the day of the disappearance. Their rented scooter was later found abandoned with the keys intact.
Authorities say Sonam’s motive and the extent of premeditation are under investigation, while further arrests are possible.