A chilling twist in a newlywed couple's story has sent shockwaves across the nation. Just weeks after their wedding, 26-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi was found brutally murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya. What began as a celebration of love turned into a horrifying tale of betrayal, extramarital affairs, and premeditated murder. As police investigations unfold, a video from their wedding showing Raja joyfully applying sindoor on Sonam's forehead has gone viral, evoking both sorrow and suspicion.
The couple, residents of Indore, got married on May 11, 2025. Their honeymoon plan initially involved visiting the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. However, that plan abruptly changed when Sonam reportedly booked a trip to Shillong instead. Raja’s family was unaware of this sudden change, and suspicions were raised after he was found dead in a gorge in Meghalaya on June 2. His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, has since surrendered and is now under police custody.
Investigators believe Raja was hacked to death with a machete, and five individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder. This includes Sonam and her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, who police claim had frequent, long conversations with her before the crime. Raja’s family revealed that both husband and wife were carrying expensive jewelry worth over Rs 10 lakh during the trip, prompting speculation over a financial motive behind the murder. Heavy transactions from Sonam’s bank account are now under scrutiny as part of the investigation.
Sonam reportedly left for the trip from her parental home wearing her bridal jewelry, and she booked the Shillong trip herself. While Sonam’s mother claimed the family had visited Shillong before, Raja’s family was not informed. Authorities believe the sudden change in destination may have been key to setting up the murder.
After Raja’s body was found, investigations by Meghalaya and Indore police led to the arrest of five individuals. CCTV footage played a crucial role in tracking the accused. Sonam was located in Ghazipur after trying to contact her family from a roadside dhaba. Others, including 19-year-old Akash Rajput and 21-year-old Raj Kushwaha, were arrested in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh respectively. Police say Anand Kurmi delivered the fatal attack, with Sonam allegedly planning to stage it as an accident.
Police suspect the murder may have been driven by a mix of romance and greed. Raj Kushwaha, who reportedly worked for Sonam, is believed to have been in a romantic relationship with her. Sonam’s call records, conversations with Raj, and financial activity are now central to the ongoing investigation. Authorities are piecing together the timeline and planning behind the murder, using digital evidence and witness accounts to build their case.
