Over the serene landscapes of Meghalaya, 30-year-old Indore resident Raja Raghuvanshi was found brutally murdered near Cherrapunji just days into his honeymoon. Now, the tragedy has taken a darker, more disturbing turn his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police after allegedly orchestrating her husband’s murder with the help of three hired killers. The crime, according to Meghalaya Police, was premeditated and executed with chilling precision.
What began as a celebration of love has now spiraled into a grim saga involving betrayal, conspiracy, and a cross-state investigation that includes the police forces of Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Raja and Sonam had traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon following a wedding solemnized with the consent of both families. On June 7, Raja’s body was found dumped near a gorge outside Cherrapunji his death initially treated as an accident until further investigation revealed signs of foul play.
By June 8, police had launched an intensive investigation into what was now officially a suspected murder. And by June 9, Meghalaya DGP Idashisha Nongrang made a dramatic announcement: not only had the police arrested three men believed to have carried out the killing, but the prime accused was Raja’s own wife.
According to DGP Nongrang, Sonam plotted her husband’s murder in advance and coordinated with hired assailants from Madhya Pradesh, who followed the couple to Meghalaya. “Three accused have been arrested so far two from Indore, one from Uttar Pradesh. Sonam herself surrendered at Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur, UP,” Nongrang said. “The arrested persons have confessed to being hired by Sonam. The operation to nab more accused is still underway in Madhya Pradesh.”
Four persons, including wife, arrested in connection with Indore man's murder in Meghalaya: DGP I Nongrang
Wife allegedly involved in Indore man's murder during honeymoon in Meghalaya, had hired killers: DGP Nongrang pic.twitter.com/SVGBRAz3md
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 9, 2025
Investigators believe Sonam may have used an alias while coordinating with the killers and took steps to cover her digital and physical trail. While officials are yet to reveal the motive, sources within the Meghalaya Police say that financial disputes or a romantic affair may have been factors.
The circumstances of Sonam’s surrender remain mired in controversy. While police maintain she turned herself in, her family insists she was neither absconding nor arrested under due legal procedure.
“My daughter is innocent,” her father, Devi Singh, told reporters in Ghazipur. “She came to a dhaba near the town and called her brother. When police arrived, she cooperated. There was no arrest. Meghalaya Police is lying and twisting the facts.”
Singh accused the Meghalaya Police of rushing to conclusions and fabricating evidence. “We are planning to meet Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. We demand a CBI probe. The truth will expose how police officers are spinning a false narrative to cover up their own lapses.”
#WATCH | Indore missing couple case | Sonam Raghuvanshi's father, Devi Singh, says, "…Meghalaya CM is lying regarding this case. A CBI inquiry should be done on him as well. I am sure that the CM is also lying. Union Home Minister Amit Shah should send the CBI there as soon as… pic.twitter.com/PPgn9QwefV
— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025
Interestingly, even Raja’s brother Vipin Raghuvanshi expressed skepticism regarding the pace and nature of the investigation. “We haven’t been officially informed about any arrest or questioning. She did a video call identifying herself as ‘Bitti’ and was just sitting at the dhaba. There were no signs of her trying to flee. It’s unclear what evidence the police are acting on,” he said.
Vipin said he fears that media sensationalism and police pressure may derail a proper and unbiased investigation. “How can such serious accusations be made without proper inquiry? The public needs answers based on facts, not just press statements.”
Despite the emerging controversy, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma congratulated the state police for cracking the case within a week. “Within seven days, a major breakthrough has been achieved by the Meghalaya Police in the Raja murder case. Three assailants from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, a female has surrendered, and operations are on to catch one more. Well done,” he posted on X.
Within 7 days a major breakthrough has been achieved by the #meghalayapolice in the Raja murder case … 3 assailants who are from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, female has surrendered and operation still on to catch 1 more assailant .. well done #meghalayapolice
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) June 9, 2025
This statement, however, has not gone down well with critics who say the administration is rushing to close the case without a thorough and transparent investigation. Civil rights groups have also begun raising concerns over the rights of the accused and the sensationalism surrounding the case.
