Meghalaya murder investigation: What started as a newlywed couple’s honeymoon to the scenic hills of Meghalaya turned into a chilling murder mystery and a cross-country manhunt. Sonam Raghuvanshi, a 25-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly plotting the murder of her husband, 29-year-old businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, just days after their wedding. On Tuesday morning, Meghalaya Police was granted a three-day transit remand for Sonam. She is being taken to Shillong for further investigation.
What we know about the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case?
Raja and Sonam had travelled to Meghalaya on May 23, ostensibly to visit the Kamakhya Temple and explore the North East. However, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge on June 2. Sonam had vanished—only to dramatically reappear over 1,200 km away in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, at a roadside dhaba, where she was arrested early Monday morning.
Sonam initially tried to mislead the police by claiming she had been kidnapped and drugged. According to UP Police’s Additional DGP Amitabh Yash, she attempted to pose as a victim, hoping to escape suspicion. However, gaps in her story and coordination between state police forces led to her arrest. “She’s a poor planner who lacked knowledge of police procedures,” said Yash.
What did the police say about the case?
Investigations revealed that Sonam had an alleged affair with Raj Kushwaha, a 21-year-old former employee at her family’s plywood business. Kushwaha was reportedly the mastermind, orchestrating the murder with three hired accomplices. They travelled to Meghalaya via Guwahati to execute the plan. The murder weapon—a local dao—was likely procured in Guwahati, adding further weight to the theory.
Raj Kushwaha attended Raja Raghuvanshi’s funeral
In a bizarre twist, eyewitnesses claim Kushwaha even drove one of the vehicles arranged by Sonam’s family for Raja’s funeral. “I only realised who he was after seeing his photo in the media,” said Lakshman Singh Rathore, who attended the funeral.
Raja’s family believes the murder was premeditated. His brother Vipin pointed out that Sonam had only booked a one-way ticket to Meghalaya. Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, claimed Sonam took Rs 9 lakh from Raja for travel expenses and convinced him to carry expensive jewellery.
Raja Raghuvanshi murder case | Meghalaya Police gets three days transit remand of Sonam Raghuvanshi: Meghalaya Police https://t.co/kvzJwLAyFL
— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2025
Five accused arrested
The Meghalaya Police, working with UP and MP Police, arrested Sonam and four others. Kushwaha and two other accused—Vishal Chauhan and Akash Rajput—were arrested from Indore and Lalitpur. The fourth man, Anand Kurmi, was caught in Sagar district. All are believed to have been hired by Kushwaha to carry out the murder.
Sonam allegedly turned herself in only after hearing of Kushwaha’s arrest. Meghalaya’s DGP I Nongrang confirmed that she surrendered before Nandganj police and will face charges for conspiracy and murder. A local guide had seen Sonam walking behind Raja and the assailants near the murder site—a crucial tip that led to the arrests.
As the case unfolds, police are also probing whether financial transactions were made to pay the killers and if any more people were involved.