A chilling turn has emerged in the tragic case of newlyweds Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi from Indore, who vanished on honeymoon in Meghalaya. What began as a missing persons investigation has now been confirmed as a brutal homicide with startling revelations.
🔍 Case Background
The couple, married on 11 May 2025, checked into a homestay in Nongriat village, East Khasi Hills, on 22 May. Their rented scooter was found near Sohra (Cherrapunjee) on 23 May, raising alarm after they failed to check out or respond.
Authorities found Raja’s body on 2 June, deep in a gorge beneath Weisawdong Falls, using drone search teams. The postmortem and police statements confirmed he had been brutally hacked to death with a machete (“dao”), with valuables including his mobile, watch and gold jewellery found missing.
Big Breakthrough: Arrests & Confessions
On 9 June, Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang revealed that the crime was orchestrated by the wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, who allegedly hired killers to murder Raja on their honeymoon. This shocking update transformed the case from a disappearance to premeditated murder.
Sonam surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, after 17 days, and is now the prime accused under police custody. In Meghalaya, three more suspects—hired assailants—have been arrested following raid operations.
Key Witness: The Local Guide
A crucial piece came from Albert Pde, a local guide whom the couple had previously turned down around 22 May. He later spotted Sonam and Raja with three unknown men near 3,000 steps at Mawlakhiat, and promptly reported his sightings to police. His testimony helped law enforcement pinpoint the conspirators and eventually led to arrests.
Official Confirmation & Reactions
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and senior officials expressed shock and assured swift justice. Meanwhile, investigators revealed that the hired men confessed Sonam had arranged the murder—raising chilling doubts about motive.
Timeline at a Glance
- 11 May: Raja and Sonam marry in Indore
- 20–22 May: Honeymooning in Meghalaya
- 22 May: Sonam records a voice message during a trek—final communication before disappearance
- 23 May: Last seen leaving homestay; scooter found abandoned
- 2 June: Raja’s body recovered; murder confirmed
- 9 June: Sonam surrenders; four arrested including Sonam
🚨 Investigation Update & Public Concern
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues probing under DGP Nongrang’s oversight. Forensics have retrieved a bloodstained machete, raincoat, mobile, shirt and a strip of medicine—each helping piece together the horrifying sequence.
Local residents and tourism bodies are shaken, raising serious questions about safety in Meghalaya’s remote tourist spots. Meanwhile, family members at Raja’s funeral displayed banners reading “I was killed, not died”, calling for a CBI probe amid fears of a cover-up.
What Lies Ahead?
- The SIT is exploring multiple motives—robbery, personal vendetta, betrayal—with foul play being the leading theory.
- Searches continue for Sonam, including crevasse and dense forest areas, as suspicion grows over her fate.
- A CBI investigation may be demanded by the family to ensure independent scrutiny.
This shocking crime — a mix of honeymoon bliss turned into tragedy — now enters its next phase: unraveling the motive, securing justice, and finding the missing wife. Stay tuned as Meghalaya Police and forensic experts continue piecing together every detail.