Sonam Raghuvanshi Arrest and Raja Raghuvanshi Murder

Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, and Sonam Raghuvanshi, 24, both from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, were married on May 11, 2025. Despite Sonam’s ongoing relationship with Raj Kushwaha, an accountant in her family’s business, the couple proceeded with their wedding. For their honeymoon, they traveled to Meghalaya, checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village on May 23. Raja was reported missing the same day, and his body was discovered on June 2, about 20 km from where the couple was last seen.

Murder Plot and Execution

Investigations revealed a meticulously planned murder orchestrated by Sonam and her lover, Raj Kushwaha. According to police, the conspiracy began at least 11 days before the wedding, with plans evolving since February 2025. The initial plots included faking Sonam’s disappearance or even killing another woman to pass off her body as Sonam’s. When these failed, Sonam went through with the marriage to Raja, setting the stage for the murder during their honeymoon.

On May 23, while sightseeing in Wahkdait near Nongriat, Raja was attacked and killed by three accomplices—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi—while he stepped away to use the restroom. Sonam was present during the attack. The group disposed of Raja’s body in a nearby gorge, after which Sonam handed her blood-stained raincoat to Akash for disposal. The accused then fled the area on scooters, with Sonam later changing into a burqa to aid her escape.

Financial Trail and Accomplices

A critical element in the investigation was the financial trail. Police allege that Sonam offered ₹20 lakh to the hitmen, though official confirmation is pending. Payments were made using the account of Jitendra Raghuvanshi, Sonam’s maternal cousin and a junior employee in the family business. Sonam’s UPI account was also opened in Jitendra’s name, raising further suspicion.

Arrests and Confessions

The investigation led to the arrest of five individuals: Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raj Kushwaha, and the three accomplices. All five have reportedly confessed to their roles in the crime. The police clarified that, contrary to initial speculation, the murder was not a contract killing for money but was executed by Raj’s friends and relatives out of loyalty.

Sonam attempted to fake her own kidnapping and fled across several cities—Guwahati, Siliguri, Patna, Ara, Lucknow, and Indore—before surfacing in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She surrendered at the Nandganj police station after police tracked her through call records and financial transactions.

Key Mistakes and Breakthroughs

The investigation broke open when police discovered the machete used in the murder, which was not a common weapon in the region, indicating outside involvement. Analysis of call records and Sonam’s contact with one of the killers just before the murder further implicated her. Her attempt to contact her parents from a dhaba in Uttar Pradesh led to her arrest.

Current Status

All accused have been remanded to police custody in Meghalaya for further interrogation. Both families have demanded a CBI probe, and the case continues to attract national attention due to its shocking details and the involvement of family members in the conspiracy.

Summary Table

This case highlights a chilling blend of personal betrayal, meticulous planning, and eventual unraveling due to investigative diligence and technological tracking.