A honeymoon is meant to be a time of joy and new beginnings. But for one newlywed couple from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, their trip to the beautiful hills of Meghalaya ended in tragedy. The shocking murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon has left the entire country stunned and searching for answers.
What Happened?
Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam arrived in Meghalaya in late May 2025, excited to explore the famous living root bridges and the lush landscapes of Sohra (Cherrapunji). On May 23, the couple went missing. Ten days later, Raja’s body was found at the bottom of a gorge, while Sonam was nowhere to be found.
The police investigation quickly turned up clues. A local guide, Albert Pde, told police he had seen the couple climbing over 3,000 steps with three other men on the day they disappeared. The group was speaking in Hindi, which stood out in the mainly Khasi-speaking area. The couple’s rented scooter was later found abandoned, with the keys still attached.
The Investigation Unfolds
At first, both families were worried and confused. Raja’s family described him as a careful planner who would never take risks, while Sonam’s family said she was happy and in regular contact with her in-laws. But as police dug deeper, a disturbing story began to emerge.
Police arrested three men from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and Sonam herself surrendered to police in Ghazipur, UP. According to police, Sonam had allegedly hired these men to kill her husband during their honeymoon. The suspects reportedly confessed that Sonam was the mastermind behind the murder. The investigation is ongoing, with more suspects possibly involved.
Why Did This Happen?
While the police have not officially confirmed the motive, reports suggest that Sonam may have been in a relationship with another man, and this could have led her to plan her husband’s murder. Such details, if true, point to a premeditated crime rather than a random act of violence.
After the murder came to light, Sonam, the wife of the victim, surrendered to the police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. According to her family, Sonam "surrendered under pressure" as the investigation gained momentum and her name was linked to the case. The Meghalaya police have now started the legal process to bring her back to the state for further questioning. Authorities say this step is important to ensure a fair and complete investigation. Sonam’s family continues to maintain her innocence, while the police stress that all suspects will be given a chance to explain their side in court.
The Crime Scene and Evidence
The murder took place in a remote, difficult-to-reach gorge near the tourist area of Wei Sawdong. Raja’s body was identified by a tattoo on his hand, and evidence at the scene included a woman’s shirt, a broken mobile phone, and a smartwatch still on Raja’s wrist. The post-mortem revealed that Raja was killed with multiple blows from a sharp tool, likely a local tree-cutting implement called a “dao”.
A Community in Shock
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This case has deeply affected both the local community in Meghalaya and people across India. Meghalaya is known for its natural beauty and peacefulness, attracting tourists from all over the world. Crimes like this are rare, which is why the news has been so shocking.
Local police and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya have praised the quick work of investigators in solving the case and making arrests within a week. The use of clues from local guides and technology, like GPS tracking, played a big role in the breakthrough.
While the police have made arrests and shared their findings, it is important to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Sonam’s family claims she is innocent and that there may be more to the story. The full truth will only come out after a fair and thorough trial.
This case also highlights how even the most beautiful places can become the setting for terrible events. It reminds us that relationships and trust are complex, and sometimes, people’s actions can have tragic consequences.
What Can We Learn?
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Always be cautious, even in familiar relationships.
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Trust and communication are key in any marriage or partnership.
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Law enforcement agencies can solve even the toughest cases with the help of the community and technology.
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Justice must be allowed to take its course, and everyone deserves a fair trial.
The Meghalaya honeymoon murder case will be remembered for its shocking details and the speed with which it was solved. But most of all, it is a sad reminder that behind every headline, there are real people and families whose lives are forever changed.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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