In a case that has stunned the nation, the brutal murder of 29-year-old Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has been traced back to a horrific conspiracy hatched by his wife and her secret lover. Authorities have confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, just weeks into her marriage, plotted with her boyfriend—posing under the false identity “Sanjay Verma”—to kill her husband during what should have been a romantic getaway.
A Honeymoon with a Dark Agenda
Raja and Sonam, newlyweds from Madhya Pradesh, reached Nongriat village in Cherrapunji on May 22, 2025, as part of their honeymoon tour. Known for its double-decker living root bridges and serene waterfalls, the area is popular among trekking couples. But what followed was anything but idyllic.
On May 24, Raja was reported missing. On June 2, his decomposed body was discovered deep inside a gorge near Wei-Sawdong Falls. Initial speculation pointed to a tragic accident, until investigators found signs of blunt force trauma, and Raja’s belongings—including his ID and travel documents—were still at the homestay.
The Secret Life of “Sanjay Verma”
The breakthrough came when Meghalaya Police accessed Sonam’s call records. Over 200 late-night calls had been exchanged between her and a man saved in her phone as “Sanjay Verma.” Surveillance and technical tracking soon revealed that Sanjay Verma didn’t exist. He was actually Raj Kushwaha, a 24-year-old employee in her brother’s business back in Indore—and her lover.
Investigators believe the pair had been in a secret relationship even before Sonam’s wedding. Despite the marriage, the affair continued, culminating in a deadly plan to eliminate Raja and begin a new life together.
Planned to Perfection
What makes this crime particularly horrifying is the level of premeditation. Raj reportedly hired three accomplices—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Patel—posing as tourists to join Sonam and Raja during their hike on May 23. Local guide Albert Padi told police that he saw the couple accompanied by three unfamiliar men who spoke Hindi—an unusual detail in the Khasi-dominated region.
Later that day, Raja was lured toward the edge of the falls and bludgeoned with a local weapon called a “dao.” Police recovered the bloodstained weapon nearby. Raja was then thrown into the gorge while Sonam allegedly stood and watched.
CCTV and Evidence Trail
Surveillance from a petrol station near the trail caught the couple traveling together on May 22. The white shirt worn by Sonam in that footage was later recovered near Raja’s body, further cementing her presence at the crime scene. Forensic teams also found traces of Raja’s blood on the shirt.
Back in Nongriat, Raja’s luggage remained untouched at the homestay, including his wallet and travel ID, raising early suspicions of foul play.
Arrests and Confessions
On June 9, Sonam surrendered to police in Uttar Pradesh, following nationwide media pressure. She made a short video before surrendering, claiming she was being framed. Police, however, report that she has since confessed to orchestrating the plan and facilitating contact between Raj and the hired killers.
Raj Kushwaha and the three alleged assassins were arrested within days in Madhya Pradesh. During interrogation, the group confessed to their roles, stating Sonam remained present during the murder, providing directions and alibis.
Public Outrage and Family Feuds
The Raghuvanshi family has been devastated. “My son loved her. He trusted her,” Raja’s mother said tearfully. “She deserves the death penalty.” On the other side, Sonam’s family insists she is innocent and was coerced into confessing. They have demanded an independent investigation by the CBI, claiming Meghalaya Police are under pressure to close the case.
A Modern Crime Rooted in Ancient Motives
While the tools were modern—burner phones, fake identities, and digital alibis—the motives were as old as time: lust, greed, and betrayal. Sonam and Raj allegedly planned to claim Raja’s financial assets and begin a new life after his death.
Experts say the case is reflective of rising instances of “intimate partner violence” and calculated spousal murders, especially involving extramarital affairs. “What’s terrifying here is not the spontaneity, but the planning,” noted criminal psychologist Dr. Rina D’Souza. “They turned a honeymoon into a murder mission.”
The Road Ahead
As the investigation continues, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is preparing the charge sheet. All five accused have been placed in judicial custody in Meghalaya, where the trial is expected to begin later this year.
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