What was supposed to be a happy new beginning for Sonam Raghuvanshi (25) and Raja Raghuvanshi (29) quickly turned out to be one of the most dramatic criminal cases of 2025. Barely days after they got hitched, Raja was discovered dead under mysterious circumstances on their honeymoon in Meghalaya, while Sonam went missing mysteriously — until she was located and apprehended in a dramatic turn of events that shook the country to its core.
The Timeline of Events
May 11, 2025: The Wedding
The couple got married in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
May 20: Honeymoon Starts
They arrived in Meghalaya for their honeymoon, opting for picturesque locations such as Cherrapunji and Wei Sawdong Falls.
May 23: Sinister Disappearance
After a check-out from their accommodation close to Nongriat, both of them disappeared. Their rented scooter was discovered abandoned on the Shillong-Sohra road, which led to huge search operations.
June 2: Husband’s Body Found
Following days of drone search by Meghalaya Police and NDRF, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered deep within a gorge along Wei Sawdong waterfalls. A blood-stained dao (knife) was recovered close to it.
Top IPS Officers Lead Investigation
The case soon became national news. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up under the leadership of SP Herbert Pynniaid Kharkongor, led by Meghalaya DGP I. Nongrang. Police tracked call records, followed CCTV footage, and pursued digital leads through Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
Breakthrough: Arrests and Stunning Revelations
Contract Killers Arrested
Police arrested three men who were allegedly hired to kill:
- Akash Rajput (19) – Lalitpur, UP
- Vishal Singh Chauhan (22) – Indore
- Raj Singh Kushwaha (21) – Indore
They admitted that the crime was planned, and Sonam is said to have coordinated the whole conspiracy.
Sonam Raghuvanshi Found
Sonam was discovered on June 8 in an unconscious condition next to a dhaba along the Varanasi–Ghazipur highway. She surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Uttar Pradesh later.
She was arrested by Meghalaya Police on June 9 and will be legally prosecuted for her suspected involvement in the conspiracy.
Family Statements: Truth or Trap?
Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, came to her defense:
“She is innocent. She surrendered voluntarily. This is a trap; we demand a CBI investigation.”
Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, broke down in tears saying:
If she is guilty, she should be hanged. We brought her into our family like a daughter.”
Raja’s brother further added that Sonam and Raj Kushwaha (one of the accused) were often in touch even post-marriage.
Legal Update & What's Next
Four suspects arrested, including Sonam.
One more accused is still on the run.
Meghalaya Police is framing charges under IPC Sections 302 (Murder) and 120B (Criminal Conspiracy)
Families of both the victim and accused are now asking for a CBI investigation, in name of lack of faith in the ongoing investigation.
Last Lines
Sonam Raghuvanshi case has become a high-profile murder investigation, full of betrayals, romance, and intrigue. The work of the IPS-headed Meghalaya SIT has been much appreciated for swift action in several states.
As Sonam stands before the law and more information becomes available, this tale remains tight on the nation — asking questions about love, motives, and justice.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Sonam Raghuvanshi?
She is a 25-year-old Indore, Madhya Pradesh-born woman who had just been wed and is now the accused in her husband’s murder.
Q2. What was done to Raja Raghuvanshi?
Raja was discovered dead close to Wei Sawdong Falls in Meghalaya during their honeymoon.
Q3. Who is probing this case?
The case is being worked on by a Special Investigation Team of Meghalaya Police, headed by SP Herbert Kharkongor and DGP I. Nongrang.
Q4. Is Sonam guilty?
Police say they have good evidence against her implicating her in the murder conspiracy. Legal proceedings, however, are still underway.
Q5. What is the status of the case now?
Four individuals have been detained, including Sonam. The investigation continues, and the subsequent court hearings are imminent.
