NATIONAL: Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Wife’s Plot Unraveled by Police
The Meghalaya honeymoon murder case has revealed a chilling conspiracy orchestrated by Sonam Raghuvanshi, who allegedly planned her husband Raja Raghuvanshi’s killing with her boyfriend and hired hitmen.
Discovery of Key Evidence
Police found a mangalsutra and ring abandoned in the couple’s Sohra homestay, raising suspicions about Sonam’s intentions. These items, left behind by the newlywed, became pivotal in implicating her during the investigation.
Financial Transactions Expose Plot
Investigations uncovered that Sonam paid hitmen via a UPI account under Jitendra Raghuvanshi’s name, a junior employee in her family’s business. Her brother Govind confirmed she opened the account to facilitate the contract killing on May 23.
Elaborate Murder Scheme
Sonam and her accomplices planned to stage her death alongside Raja’s to mislead authorities. They intended to kill and burn an unidentified woman’s body to pass it off as Sonam’s, but heavy tourist presence thwarted the plan.
Multiple Failed Assassination Attempts
The hired assassins attempted to kill Raja three times—first in Guwahati, then twice in Sohra—at Nangrit and Mavlakhiyat. Their fourth attempt succeeded at Weisavdong waterfall, where Raja was fatally stabbed.
Sonam’s Escape and Arrest
After the murder, Sonam fled Meghalaya disguised in a burqa, traveling by taxis and buses to Madhya Pradesh. She was later apprehended in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, alongside her boyfriend and other accomplices.
Timeline of Events
Raja and Sonam, married on May 11, 2025, arrived in Meghalaya for their honeymoon on May 20. Eleven days later, Raja’s body was found in a valley near Sohra with knife wounds, prompting a murder investigation.
Investigation Intensifies
Meghalaya Police, led by SP Vivek Shyam, confirmed Sonam’s confession during interrogation. The case, involving a love triangle, has drawn significant attention due to its intricate plotting and brutal execution.
Family Background
Raja’s family runs a transport business in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The newlyweds visited Guwahati’s Kamakhya Temple before heading to Shillong and Sohra, where the murder was executed.
Ongoing Probe and Public Reaction
The case continues to unfold with daily revelations, sparking nationwide discussions on crime and betrayal. Authorities are probing additional details to ensure all perpetrators face justice.