A shocking development has emerged in the mysterious death of an Indore man during his honeymoon in Meghalaya. What was initially treated as a missing person’s case and later a tragic discovery has now taken a sensational turn, with police arresting the victim’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, for allegedly orchestrating her husband Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder by hiring contract killers. Three other accused, believed to be the hired assailants, have also been apprehended in connection with the crime.
Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, had gone missing with his wife, Sonam, on May 23 while on their honeymoon in the picturesque East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Their disappearance sparked a frantic search, which culminated in the discovery of Raja’s decomposed body in a gorge near Sohrarim on June 2. Sonam was initially presumed to be missing, raising concerns for her safety.
However, the Meghalaya Police, through diligent investigation and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), have now unraveled a much darker narrative. Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) I Nongrang confirmed on Monday that Sonam Raghuvanshi was not a victim but a prime orchestrator in her husband’s murder.
According to police statements, Sonam surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, after learning of the arrests of the other accused. The three alleged hitmen were apprehended during overnight raids, with one being caught in Uttar Pradesh and two others in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The arrested individuals have reportedly confessed to their involvement and implicated Sonam, stating that she hired them to kill her husband.
Sources indicate that the motive behind the heinous act might be an illicit affair Sonam was allegedly involved in. This shocking revelation has sent ripples through both the Raghuvanshi families and the public, transforming a honeymoon trip into a horrific crime scene.
A crucial piece of evidence that aided the police in their breakthrough came from a local tourist guide, Albert Pde, who had seen Raja and Sonam on May 23, the day they went missing. Pde recounted seeing the couple accompanied by three Hindi-speaking men while trekking a challenging 3,000-step path from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat. This sighting, coupled with other forensic findings like a recovered machete and a missing gold ring and neck chain from Raja’s body, raised suspicions of foul play.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has lauded the state police for their swift action and for cracking the complex case within a week, offering his congratulations on social media. Despite the breakthrough, the investigation remains ongoing, with police actively searching for at least one more individual believed to be involved in the conspiracy. The Raghuvanshi families had previously appealed for a CBI inquiry into the matter, expressing dissatisfaction with the initial pace of the investigation, but the recent arrests by the Meghalaya Police have brought a significant turn to the case.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of how trust can be shattered and how meticulously planned crimes can unfold, even in the serene backdrop of a honeymoon. The arrests mark a significant step towards justice for Raja Raghuvanshi and have brought a dramatic and tragic twist to a story that initially captivated the nation as a missing person’s mystery.