A romantic honeymoon turned into national intrigue in India in mid‑2025, when a newlywed couple from Indore disappeared during their trip to Meghalaya. What began as a celebration of a new life together ultimately became a criminal investigation, with the wife emerging as the central suspect in her husband’s death. The case has drawn intense public attention, questions of motive, and calls for a fair and transparent process.
This article retells the story, pieces together known facts, explores family and public reaction, reviews the legal and investigative challenges, and reflects on what such tragedies reveal about trust, media, and justice in modern India.
1. The Couple and Their Journey
1.1 Who Were Raja and Sonam?
Raja Raghuvanshi, originally from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was a transport businessman. According to public records, he was born in 1996 and was about 29 years old at the time of his death.
Sonam Raghuvanshi, reportedly aged 24 or 25, became his wife in a marriage held in May 2025.
Their wedding ceremony took place on May 11, 2025 in Indore and was described by family accounts as conventional, devoid of any known discord at that time.
Soon after their marriage, the couple left for a honeymoon to the scenic state of Meghalaya, known for its mountains, lush forests, waterfalls, and the famed living root bridges.
1.2 The Trip to Meghalaya
The newlyweds departed Indore for Meghalaya around May 20, 2025.
They checked into guesthouses and homestays, toured local natural landmarks, and spent time in the hilly Sohra (Cherrapunji) region.
On May 22, the couple arrived at a homestay in Nongriat village. The owner later recounted that they were absent for several hours after checking in, only returning later for dinner.
mint
The next day, May 23, they disappeared.
Their rented scooter was later found abandoned in Sohrarim, several kilometers from a parking area, and their phones went offline.
By early June, after extensive search efforts involving drones, forest patrols, and multi‑state coordination, Raja’s body was discovered in a deep gorge beneath Wei Sawdong Falls.
What began as a bright new chapter would soon darken into an unfolding national mystery.
2. Discovery, Investigation & Shifting Narratives
2.1 Discovery of Raja’s Body and Autopsy Findings
On June 2, 2025, Raja’s decomposed body was located in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls in the East Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya.
The autopsy report later revealed that he had two sharp head wounds—one from the front and one from the back—indicating use of a sharp cutting weapon. The cause of death was cited as blood loss from those injuries.
Police recovered a machete or dao as a probable weapon, and investigators later suggested that an additional weapon may yet be recovered.
Through interrogation, investigators have posited that Raja suffered multiple blows delivered by three assailants, with the first strike by one individual, followed by subsequent blows by others.
The Indian Express
2.2 The Case Takes a Dramatic Turn: Sonam as Suspect
Initially, police treated the disappearance as a missing persons case or possible accident. But after gathering clues, the investigation moved toward homicide.
The investigation pivoted dramatically when Sonam surrendered to authorities at a police station in Nandganj, Uttar Pradesh. Reports state she used a borrowed phone to contact her brother, which set the chain in motion.
Following her surrender, police allegations turned sharply: they now claim she orchestrated the killing of her husband, hiring contract killers to carry it out.
Four men have been arrested in connection: three from Madhya Pradesh and one from Meghalaya. One of them is said to have worked with or been known to Sonam.
Sources and media reports further claim Sonam had a prior relationship with one of the accused (named Raj Kushwaha), and used communication records, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence (raincoat, clothing) to link her to the crime.
In the face of mounting evidence, sources claim Sonam eventually broke down and confessed parts of her role in the plot, according to SIT (Special Investigation Team) officials.
2.3 Evidence, Allegations & Contradictions
As investigators piece together the case, several key details and points of tension have emerged:
Mangalsutra and ring: Meghalaya police reported that a mangalsutra (a traditional marriage necklace) and a ring linked to Sonam were found in a homestay, which heightened suspicion.
The Times of India
Trip arrangement: According to Raja’s mother, Sonam independently planned the honeymoon and may have not informed family fully. She alleged that Sonam made Raja wear jewelry worth ₹10 lakh for the trip.
Last hours behavior: The homestay owner recalled odd behavior—the couple was absent for many hours after checking in, and then returned late.
mint
Multiple murder attempts: Officials later stated that earlier attempts to kill Raja may have failed before the final successful one on the 4th attempt.
The Times of India
Role of Sonam during the act: In police accounts, Sonam is alleged to have given signals to assailants from the parking area and run when the first strike was delivered.
Mental health evaluation: Sonam was declared mentally sound after evaluation at a mental health institute, which cleared path for further procedural steps.
The Times of India
However, Sonam’s family and defense have strongly contested these narratives. They question the sufficiency of the evidence, demand a deeper forensics review, and have called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry to ensure neutrality.
Hindustan Times
From the start, Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, publicly defended his daughter. He denied the charges, insisted she could not commit such a crime, and alleged possible misinterpretation or prejudice in the investigation.
He demanded that the investigation be handled carefully and called for a CBI probe, suggesting that state police might have made flawed assumptions.
3.2 Reactions from Raja’s Side & Internal Conflict
Raja’s family was initially shocked. His brother Vipin Raghuvanshi expressed disbelief that Sonam could be involved unless she confessed herself.
Later, as evidence unfolded, he acknowledged that one of the arrested suspects was known to her and said only Sonam can clarify the truth.
The mother of Raja, Uma Raghuvanshi, has demanded the death penalty for Sonam if convicted. She alleged that Raja was coerced into the trip and that Sonam booked tickets unilaterally without informing the family.
India Today
Further complicating matters, Sonam’s elder brother, Govind Raghuvanshi, publicly declared he believed Sonam was guilty and severed ties with her family. He cited evidence including her relationship with Raj Kushwaha and their interactions.
Indiatimes
Such fractures within families are heartbreaking reminders of how a single event can ripple far beyond the individuals directly involved.
3.3 Public Outcry, Media Coverage & Political Pressure
News outlets across India gave this case extensive coverage, fueling public debate and demands for accountability. Commentators compared it to notorious honeymoon tragedies of the past, and many activists urged prompt justice and transparency.
Both families publicly criticized the speed and thoroughness of the state police’s investigative processes. They appeal to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to ensure oversight.
While Meghalaya’s Chief Minister defended the state’s reputation—saying the tragedy should not defame the region—he also affirmed that all accused would be brought to justice.
The case has spotlighted issues of inter‑state coordination, forensic capacity in remote regions, and the role of media in shaping public perceptions of guilt or innocence.
4. Legal, Investigative & Procedural Challenges
4.1 Multi‑State Coordination and Jurisdiction
Because the crime occurred in Meghalaya but involves suspects and actions across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and possibly others, jurisdictional coordination is vital. Evidence must be gathered, transferred, and admissible across state lines.
This complexity can slow legal proceedings, complicate witness management, and require the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Indeed, Meghalaya police already formed an SIT to oversee the investigation.
4.2 Gathering Forensic Evidence in Challenging Terrain
The crime scene lies in dense forested hills and steep gorges—with monsoon weather, limited access, and vegetation. Recovering weapons, clothing, and DNA evidence in such environments is strenuous and requires specialized teams.
Police must reconstruct events, map trajectories, test weapons, analyze call records, CCTV footage, and triangulate mobile location data. Any gap in chain of custody or sample integrity might weaken prosecutorial arguments.
4.3 Ensuring a Fair Process & Rights of the Accused
Although serious allegations are made, Sonam is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The mental health clearance is one part of ensuring procedural fairness.
The Times of India
Her defense can scrutinize whether confessions were voluntary, whether evidence was properly collected, and whether suspect rights were respected during arrest, custody, and interrogation.
4.4 Potential Legal Charges and Sentences
If the case proceeds to trial, key charges could include:
Related charges for abetment, hiring murderers, or accessory roles
Given the alleged premeditated nature and multiple actors, the prosecution might seek severe punishments, potentially the maximum under Indian law.
However, the defense may present counterarguments: contesting evidence, asserting alibis, challenging chain of custody, or presenting alternate narratives. Trials in such high-profile cases are often protracted and subject to appeals.
5. Broader Reflections: Love, Trust, and the Public Gaze
5.1 When Arranged Marriages and Hidden Relationships Collide
Although the marriage of Raja and Sonam was reportedly arranged and celebrated by both families, later revelations suggested Sonam had previously confided about a relationship with Raj Kushwaha and resisted marrying Raja fully.
This tension—between familial expectations and personal desires—can create emotional stress, hidden resentments, and dangerous dynamics.
5.2 The Betrayal Narrative & Shock Factor
The idea that a honeymoon—a symbol of love and beginning—would be the stage for betrayal and murder shocks public sensibility. That dramatic reversal intensifies media coverage and public fascination. It also burdens the judicial process with expectations, suspicion, and sensationalism.
5.3 Role of Media, Social Media & Public Opinion
Media has amplified every development—arrests, confessions, family statements, forensic reports. Social media users speculate, comment, sometimes judge prematurely. While media attention can pressure authorities to act, it can also distort narratives, fuel rumor, and invade privacy.
Balancing transparency and restraint becomes a challenge: how much should the public know? How to protect rights of suspects while serving public interest?
5.4 Loss of Trust & The Human Toll
Beyond criminality, this case is also a tragedy of human relationships. Two families are shattered, media spotlight becoming a burden, and many questions remain unanswered. Regardless of verdict, the emotional scars will persist.
6. Where the Case Stands & What to Watch
As of now:
Sonam remains in custody, formally charged or awaiting charges depending on evidence.
Additional arrests and searches may continue. At least one accused is still believed to be at large in some reports.
A crime scene reconstruction is expected to proceed now that mental health clearance is established.
The Times of India
Investigators will try to build a clear timeline, corroborate call data, map camera footage, and establish motive.
The case may take months—or even years—to resolve given legal complexities, appeals, and forensic challenges.
For observers, key milestones to monitor include:
Formal charges against Sonam
Presentation of forensic evidence in court
Defense cross-examination on chain of custody and rights
Possible plea negotiation or trial
Sentencing or acquittal
Appeals and higher court rulings
This case may also influence policy debates on inter‑state forensic coordination, oversight of investigations in remote regions, and standards for high-profile criminal trials.
7. Final Thoughts: Lessons From a Dark Turn
This tragic episode offers several sobering insights:
Vulnerability in love and trust — Even relationships that appear stable can conceal deep undercurrents of conflict and desperation.
Importance of thorough, fair investigation — In such emotionally charged cases, only rigorous neutrality and legal safeguards can hope to yield justice.
Media’s double edge — Coverage shines light but also risks sensationalism, rumor, and pressure on due process.
Human consequences beyond verdicts — Whether convicted or acquitted, the emotional wounds, distrust, and family fragmentation may outlast legal closure.
Need for institutional capacity — Remote terrain, multiple jurisdictions, and forensic challenges test law enforcement and judicial systems; strengthening coordination and resources is vital.
A honeymoon should symbolize hope, unity, and fresh beginnings. For Raja and Sonam, it has instead become the setting for heartbreak, controversy, and a protracted quest for truth. The investigation continues; until a court pronounces guilt or innocence, we must hold space for evidence, empathy, and the slow march of law.