The ‘Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder’ mystery; Know the timeline, investigation, and shreds of evidence in the Raja Raghuvanshi case

The shocking murder of Indore-based Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has gripped the nation, with the case taking dramatic turns involving interstate police action, contract killers, and a wife now accused of orchestrating her husband’s murder. Here’s a comprehensive explainer of the case, the investigation so far, and the questions that remain.

Timeline of the case

• May 11, 2025: Raja (29) and Sonam Raghuvanshi (24) marry in Indore.
• May 20: The couple departs for their honeymoon in Meghalaya.
• May 21: They check in at a guest house in Shillong.
• May 22: Rent a two-wheeler, travel to Sohra (Cherrapunji), and trek to Nongriat village with a local guide.
• May 23: Last seen checking out of Shipara Homestay. Sonam makes a phone call to her mother-in-law, sounding breathless from trekking. Both go missing soon after.
• May 23–June 2: Families lose contact, prompting a multi-state search. Raja’s decomposed body is discovered in a deep gorge beneath Weisawdong Parking Lot at Riat Arliang, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. A machete, suspected to be the murder weapon, is found nearby.
• June 2–8: Sonam is missing; police widen search across states.
• June 8: Sonam is found at a roadside eatery in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and surrenders to police after contacting her family.

Breakthrough in the investigation

Key arrests

•     Sonam Raghuvanshi is arrested in Ghazipur, UP, after she surrenders at a police station.
•     Three alleged contract killers from Madhya Pradesh are apprehended; one more accused remains at large.

How Sonam was found

Sonam, reportedly distressed, arrived at a dhaba in Ghazipur around 1 am and asked to use a phone to call her family. The dhaba owner contacted police, leading to her arrest.

Role of contract killers

•     Meghalaya Police, led by DGP Idashisha Nongrang, allege Sonam hired contract killers to murder Raja.
•     A local tourist guide reported seeing the couple with three unidentified men on the day they disappeared, which led investigators to suspect foul play.

Family reactions and demands

Sonam’s family

•     Her mother, Sangita, expressed relief that Sonam was found but remains grief-stricken over Raja’s death. She insists the investigation should reveal the true culprit.
•     Sonam’s father claims she is innocent and accuses Meghalaya Police of fabricating the case, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

Raja’s family

•     Both families have raised concerns about the investigation, pointing to CCTV and GPS evidence suggesting more individuals were present with the couple, and have called for a federal inquiry.

Political and administrative response

• Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma:
•     Praised the police for making a breakthrough within seven days, confirming the arrest of three assailants and Sonam’s surrender, with one suspect still absconding.
• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav:
•     Requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI probe, citing the need for a thorough investigation and justice for the families.

Key evidence and clues

• Physical Evidence:
•     Raja’s body was found in a gorge, with a machete nearby, suggesting a violent murder.
•     Their abandoned scooter was found in Sohrarim, several kilometers from the last known location.

Eyewitness account

A trekking guide saw the couple with three men on the day they vanished, corroborating the police’s theory of contract killing. 

Current status of the case

• Four suspects (including Sonam) are in custody; one is absconding.
• Sonam is being interrogated for her alleged role in hiring contract killers.
• Police are continuing to pursue leads and gather evidence, while families and political leaders push for a CBI investigation.

Unanswered questions

• What was the exact motive behind Raja’s murder?
• Was Sonam coerced or complicit in the crime?
• Who is the absconding suspect, and what role did they play?
• Will the case be handed over to the CBI for an independent probe?

The Raja Raghuvanshi murder case remains a chilling example of how a honeymoon turned into a tragedy, with layers of intrigue, interstate police action, and ongoing debates about justice and due process. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full truth and ensuring accountability for all those involved.