Sonam Raghuvanshi, a 25-year-old Indian bride, has been arrested and accused of orchestrating the murder of her newlywed husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The couple, married in an arranged ceremony on May 11, 2025, traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon but went missing on May 23. Raja’s decomposed body was later found with his throat slit near a gorge in the East Khasi Hills district.
Police investigations revealed that Sonam allegedly hired four men to carry out the murder. The suspects include her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha and three hired hitmen—Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauha, and Anand Kurmi. All five accused have been arrested, with one suspect still at large. Sonam reportedly offered a large sum of money to the hitmen to kill Raja.
Sonam initially disappeared after the murder but surrendered to police on June 9 in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, after a massive search. She claimed she was kidnapped and that Raja died protecting her, but police have dismissed her version as fabricated and part of a larger conspiracy.
Key evidence against Sonam included a mangalsutra (marital necklace) and a ring left behind at a homestay in Meghalaya, which helped police track her movements. Investigators believe the murder took place at Weisawdong Falls, where Raja was attacked in front of Sonam.
The case has drawn significant media attention and public outrage. Sonam’s family maintains her innocence and has accused the police of fabricating the story, while Raja’s family demands justice and has severed ties with Sonam.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, with Sonam and the accused suspects currently in police custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
