Subtitle: What began as a romantic honeymoon ended in bloodshed, betrayal, and a nationwide manhunt.
🧩 Introduction: Love, Deceit, and Murder in the Hills
In May 2025, what was supposed to be a picturesque honeymoon for newlyweds Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi turned into one of the most haunting criminal investigations in recent Indian history. The Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case gripped the nation with its shocking betrayal, cross-country hunt, and emotional fallout. Here’s how the chilling mystery unfolded.
💍 The Couple: A Brief Background
- Raja Raghuvanshi (29) – Transport businessman from Indore.
- Sonam Raghuvanshi (24/25) – Recently married to Raja in an arranged marriage on May 11, 2025.
The couple appeared happy. Their families attended the wedding with no reported disputes. On May 20, the couple set off for Meghalaya, a popular honeymoon destination famed for its waterfalls and scenic villages.
🗓️ Timeline: From Honeymoon to Homicide
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 20 | Couple departs for Meghalaya. |
| May 22 | Arrive at Mawlakhiyat village, trek to Nongriat. |
| May 23 | Last seen alive heading toward Mawlakhiyat. Phones go off. Scooter abandoned. |
| May 24–27 | Search begins. Madhya Pradesh CM contacts Meghalaya CM. |
| June 2 | Raja’s body discovered near Wei Sawdong Falls. |
| June 3 | Police suspect Sonam, launch “Operation Honeymoon”. |
| June 8–9 | Sonam surrenders. 3 alleged killers arrested. |
🔍 The Crime Scene: Wei Sawdong Falls
Raja’s decomposed body was recovered in a gorge near the waterfall. The scene revealed brutal violence:
- Throat slit
- Blunt force trauma to the head
- Missing wallet, gold ring, and chain
Nearby, Sonam’s white shirt, worn during their last sighting, was discovered—connecting her directly to the scene.
🧠 Investigation Unfolds: “Operation Honeymoon”
Police worked across multiple states, relying on:
- CCTV footage showing the couple leaving their homestay.
- Testimony from a rejected guide, Albert Pde, who saw the couple with three Hindi-speaking men.
- Digital tracing of Sonam’s phone and financial records.
This led police to unravel a deeper conspiracy.
🕸️ The Conspiracy: A Murder for Love?
Authorities allege that Sonam plotted her husband’s murder with:
🔸 Raj Kushwaha (21)
- Alleged lover, based in Indore.
- Didn’t travel to Meghalaya but orchestrated the murder.
- In constant touch with Sonam.
🔸 The Hired Killers:
- Vishal Chauhan
- Akash Rajput
- Anand Kurmi
Sonam allegedly paid ₹4 lakh, later raised to ₹20 lakh, to execute the plan. The murder weapon—a machete—was bought in Guwahati, implicating premeditation.
🚨 Arrests and Operation Scale
The case led to the arrest of:
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sonam Raghuvanshi | Wife & mastermind | Arrested |
| Raj Kushwaha | Alleged lover & planner | Arrested |
| Vishal Chauhan | Hired killer | Arrested |
| Akash Rajput | Hired killer | Arrested |
| Anand Kurmi | Hired killer | Arrested |
“Operation Honeymoon” involved 120 police officers and 20 core investigators, covering multiple states in a nationwide effort.
🧭 The Escape and Surrender
Following the murder, Sonam disappeared, sparking speculation she was kidnapped or killed. Her family pleaded innocence, claiming she was a victim.
But soon, it emerged that she:
- Returned to Indore
- Met with Raj Kushwaha
- Fled to Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh
On June 8, she surrendered under pressure, ending the manhunt.
👨👩👧👦 Public & Family Reaction
- Sonam’s father: Firmly denied her involvement, labeling her “incapable of such cruelty”.
- Raja’s family: Shocked and devastated, they initially accused the police of delaying action.
- The public: Expressed disbelief and grief, following the case through national headlines.
🧾 Key Evidence That Cracked the Case
| Evidence | Importance |
|---|---|
| CCTV footage | Showed last sighting of the couple. |
| Guide’s testimony | Confirmed presence of outsiders with the couple. |
| Phone records | Tracked Sonam’s escape route and contact with Raj. |
| Machete purchase | Proved pre-planned murder. |
| Shirt near body | Direct link between Sonam and crime scene. |
🔚 Conclusion: A Story of Love Turned Lethal
The Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case is more than just a crime—it’s a saga of love, betrayal, and cold-blooded execution. From romance to revenge, this tragic tale reveals how well-orchestrated conspiracies can hide beneath the guise of celebration.
As Sonam and her accomplices face trial, the nation watches closely, hoping justice will be served for Raja Raghuvanshi—a man whose honeymoon ended in heartbreak and horror.
