Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Wife, Lover Charged in Shocking Case

Over three months after the shocking murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, the Meghalaya Police have completed their investigation and filed a 790-page chargesheet. The case had captured nationwide attention because of its chilling details and the betrayal involved. The chargesheet names five people, including Raja’s newly-wed wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her lover Raj Kushwaha, as being responsible for Raja’s death. They are charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.

Police have also mentioned that a supplementary chargesheet will be filed soon against three more co-accused once forensic reports and other evidence are received.

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Background of the Case

Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old businessman from Indore, married Sonam Raghuvanshi, 25, on May 11, 2025. The couple soon traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon on May 20. However, just a few days into the trip, Raja went missing, raising alarm among his family and friends.

Initially reported as a missing person case, the situation took a dark turn when Raja’s decomposed body was discovered on June 2 in a gorge near the picturesque Weisawdong Falls. This discovery transformed the investigation into a sensational murder case that shocked the nation.

How the Crime Was Planned

According to the police, Sonam was in a secret relationship with Raj Kushwaha, an accountant at her family’s firm. Investigators found that the couple had been planning Raja’s murder even before the wedding.

The plan was allegedly carried out with the help of three hired contract killers – Akash Rajput, Vishal Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi. Reports suggest that the couple paid nearly Rs 20 lakh for the murder plot. The idea was to stage a robbery during the honeymoon and eliminate Raja without raising suspicion.

Details of the Murder

On the day of the murder, during a trek near Weisawdong Falls, the hired killers ambushed Raja. According to the chargesheet:

• Raja was struck twice on the head with a machete.

• His body was then thrown into the gorge, leaving it to decompose.

Sonam, who was present during the attack, is alleged to have called her mother immediately after the crime. She also switched off both her and Raja’s phones and hurried back to Indore.

Initially, Sonam went into hiding, but she later surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 8, a day after police arrested Raj Kushwaha and the three contract killers.

Investigation and Confession

Investigators noticed inconsistencies in Sonam’s statements and her suspicious behavior made her the prime suspect. During interrogation, she confessed to her role in the murder, explaining how she and Raj had carefully planned the crime.

The police chargesheet clearly names all five accused under the following sections:

• Murder (Section 103(1) BNS)

• Destruction of evidence (Section 238(a) BNS)

• Criminal conspiracy (Section 61(2) BNS)

Supplementary Chargesheet

The Meghalaya Police also stated that a supplementary chargesheet will be filed against three additional co-accused once the forensic reports are completed. These three include:

• Silomey James, a property dealer

• Lokendra Tomar, a building owner

• Balbir Ahirwar, a security guard

These individuals are believed to have played a role in helping plan or cover up the murder.

Public Reaction

The case has shocked people across India because it involves a honeymoon murder, which is particularly gruesome and hard to believe. Many have expressed outrage over the betrayal of trust by Sonam, who killed her own husband in collaboration with her lover.

This case has also highlighted the importance of investigating relationships and suspicious activities before such tragedies occur. The role of hired killers has added another layer of horror to the case, making it a high-profile criminal investigation.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

The trial is expected to begin soon, marking the next phase of legal proceedings. The case will be closely monitored by the public, media, and law enforcement agencies.

Legal experts say that because of the detailed chargesheet, the trial may take months, and the court will have to carefully examine the forensic evidence, confessions, and eyewitness testimonies.

• Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, from Indore, was murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya.

• His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her lover Raj Kushwaha, planned the murder in advance.

• Three contract killers carried out the gruesome attack.

• Sonam initially went into hiding but later surrendered and confessed.

• Police filed a 790-page chargesheet against five accused.

• A supplementary chargesheet will name three more co-accused.

• The trial is expected to begin soon, with the nation watching closely.

This case serves as a grim reminder of betrayal and premeditated crime, and the investigation shows the efficiency of law enforcement in uncovering the truth behind such shocking incidents.