Honeymoon horror: Bride orchestrates husband’s murder

By Sagaya Fernando | June 12, 2025

Shillong, Meghalaya, INDIA: In a gripping development that has captivated the nation, police in the northeastern state of Meghalaya have cracked a chilling honeymoon murder mystery involving the death of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi, a resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Authorities have identified his newlywed wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, as the alleged mastermind behind what investigators describe as a cold and calculated murder conspiracy.

Raja, who had married Sonam on May 11, 2025, embarked on what was meant to be a romantic post-wedding getaway to Assam and Meghalaya. Less than two weeks later, his lifeless body was found in a remote forest near Nongriat village — a scenic area famed for its double-decker living root bridges and frequented by tourists.

Premeditated Plot and Affair Allegations

According to Meghalaya Police, Sonam orchestrated the murder with the assistance of her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, and three accomplices — Anand Kurmi, Akash Rajput, and Vishal alias Vicky Thakur. Raj, reportedly an accountant at Sonam’s family-run plywood business, was allegedly involved in an illicit relationship with her for over a year. The couple is believed to have planned Raja’s murder prior to the wedding.

Sonam allegedly lured Raja to the Northeast under the pretext of a honeymoon, convincing him to visit religious sites, including the Kamakhya Temple. Notably, she persuaded him to wear a gold chain — previously kept in her custody — just before their departure, which investigators believe may have been part of the bait.

Digital Trails and Arrests Across States

The case took a major turn when Meghalaya Police traced call detail records (CDRs) and geo-location data from May 24 to June 2, focusing on mobile activity in areas including Mawkhlieh, Nongriat, and Sohryngkham. Five mobile numbers — including those belonging to the accused — revealed frequent communication between Sonam and Raj, and suggested coordinated movements around the crime scene.

On June 8, based on these digital leads, police teams across states moved swiftly. The Indore Crime Branch arrested Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, and Vishal Thakur, while Anand Kurmi was apprehended in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. During questioning, one of the accused disclosed the location of clothing worn during the murder, which was recovered from Vishal’s residence and sent for forensic testing.

The murder weapon, believed to be a sharp object, was allegedly purchased in Guwahati. An autopsy report confirmed Raja died from two deep head wounds — one from the front, and another from behind — consistent with the use of such a weapon.

The Fugitive Bride and Her Surrender

Following the murder, Sonam vanished. Authorities later discovered she returned to Indore, where she reportedly stayed at a rented flat in the Dewas Naka area between May 25 and 27, just days after the murder. Her movements post-crime were low-profile, and her sudden reappearance shocked investigators.

On June 8, in a dramatic twist, Sonam surrendered to police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She is currently in protective custody and being transferred under security to Meghalaya for interrogation.

Public Outrage and Viral Airport Incident

Public emotion surrounding the case has been volatile. A viral video from the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore showed a civilian slapping one of the accused — identity undisclosed due to face coverings — as police escorted the suspects. The spontaneous act reflected national outrage over the premeditated nature of the crime.

Family Statements and Conflicting Claims

The case has also ignited fierce debate between the families of the victim and the accused. Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, initially defended Sonam but later came to suspect her involvement.

“If Sonam was in love with another man, why marry my son and kill him? She had many chances to walk away,” she told local reporters.

In contrast, Raj Kushwaha’s family has denied any romantic link between him and Sonam. His sister Suhani claimed, “They addressed each other as brother and sister. He used to call her ‘didi’, and she called him ‘bhaiya’.” His mother asserted Raj was emotionally shattered after attending Raja’s funeral and maintained his innocence.

However, police counter that Kushwaha’s role was far from peripheral. He was reportedly coordinating with the killers remotely from Indore and avoided traveling to the Northeast to deflect suspicion.

Eye-Witness and Key Identification

An important breakthrough came from a local guide in Sohra, Albert Pde, who claimed to have seen Sonam and Raja accompanied by three unidentified men around the time they disappeared. Upon reviewing photographs provided by the police, he positively identified one of the accused.

Ongoing Investigation

A 12-member team from Meghalaya has taken custody of all four accused and returned to Shillong. Authorities say further arrests and interrogations are likely, as digital evidence and forensic reports continue to surface.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong lauded the inter-state cooperation during a press briefing: “Despite geographical and logistical obstacles, our investigators demonstrated extraordinary commitment and coordination. This case showcases what is possible when law enforcement across states works as one.”