The murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has turned into one of the most sensational crime stories of the year, with investigators now uncovering disturbing evidence of premeditation and betrayal. Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, is the prime accused, and new revelations suggest a well-planned plot fueled by her relationship with alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, Sonam made more than 100 phone calls to a person identified as “Sanjay Verma” prior to her wedding. Police later confirmed that “Sanjay Verma” was an alias used by Raj Kushwaha, the suspected mastermind behind Raja's murder. These calls reportedly continued even after the couple’s wedding, suggesting an ongoing affair and a possible motive.
Raja was hacked to death on May 23 in Sohra (Cherrapunji), a well-known tourist spot in Meghalaya. According to police, the crime was executed by three men—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi—who were allegedly hired by Kushwaha. Notably, Sonam was present at the crime scene when Raja was killed. The group had made multiple failed attempts to kill Raja earlier during the honeymoon, including in Guwahati, Nongriat, and Weisawdong.
After the murder, Sonam fled the state, traveling through Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh before finally surrendering in Ghazipur on June 8. Her abrupt disappearance, paired with the suspicious discovery of her mangalsutra and wedding ring left behind in her trolley bag, raised red flags for investigators.
Raja’s mutilated body was found on June 2, nearly 10 days after he was declared missing. His remains were located at the bottom of a deep gorge near a waterfall, and the crime scene was later reconstructed with the help of the arrested suspects.
As the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Meghalaya digs deeper, questions are being raised about whether financial gain or other factors were involved alongside the romantic motive. Sonam’s family home in Govind Nagar Kharcha, Madhya Pradesh, was visited by police who questioned her relatives. Her brother, Govind, denied knowing about the suspicious phone activity and said he was open to narco analysis if required by investigators.
Raja’s family, still reeling from the brutal murder, has demanded transparency and justice. His brother Vipin confirmed that police visited their Indore home to gather details about Sonam’s post-marriage behavior. The family believes more people may be complicit and are urging investigators to explore every angle.
Raja and Sonam were married on May 11 and left for their honeymoon on May 20. Just three days into the trip, Raja was killed. The accused, including Kushwaha, have been arrested from various parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Kushwaha, reportedly employed by Sonam’s family, is believed to have deliberately avoided traveling to Meghalaya to escape suspicion.
The SIT continues to probe the case, aiming to uncover any additional conspirators or motives. As more chilling details emerge, this calculated murder staged during a romantic getaway has stunned the nation, exposing a deeply disturbing web of deceit, betrayal, and fatal obsession.
