In what is now shaping up to be one of the most chilling crime stories of the year, the murder of Indore native Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya is revealing disturbing layers of deception, betrayal, and a possibly premeditated crime driven by an illicit affair. As the police continue their investigation, Sonam Raghuvanshi, the victim’s wife, finds herself at the center of this gruesome case.
Was It an Affair Turned Fatal?
On Monday, the Meghalaya Police hinted that Sonam Raghuvanshi may have had an affair with Raj Kushwaha, a man who was reportedly employed by her family. According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, the early signs point to a romantic relationship between the two.
“Yes, it appears so (Sonam had a boyfriend)... That speaks for itself,” said SP Syiem during a press briefing.
Sonam, who had been missing since the murder of her husband, surrendered before the Uttar Pradesh Police in Ghazipur. Her timing has raised eyebrows—she surfaced only after Raj Kushwaha and other suspects were apprehended in Madhya Pradesh. Investigators believe this was no coincidence but rather a sign that her cover had finally been blown.
The Web of Connections
The connection between Sonam and Raj Kushwaha dates back to their workplace, where Kushwaha worked at a tiles distribution company owned by Sonam’s brother. According to Vipul Raghuvanshi, Raja’s brother, Kushwaha was Sonam’s employee.
“Raj Kushwaha was Sonam's employee. They would constantly talk on the phone,” said Vipul, speaking to ANI.
Phone records confirm that Sonam and Raj were in frequent contact, even during her honeymoon with Raja. This pattern of communication, along with her sudden disappearance after the murder, has led investigators to suspect her active role in the crime.
A Sinister Plot Unfolds
The tragic tale began when Raja and Sonam traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon shortly after their wedding in May. Days into the trip, Raja was reported missing, and a massive search operation was launched by the Meghalaya Police. His body was eventually discovered in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls, sparking suspicions of foul play.
Soon after, police unraveled a murder-for-hire plot, allegedly involving Sonam and her supposed lover Raj Kushwaha. According to the police, Kushwaha hired three hitmen—Vishal Chauhan, Anand Kumar, and Akash Rajput—to carry out the murder. Sonam allegedly shared her live location with them, allowing the group to track the couple’s movements.
The Timeline of Betrayal
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May 18: Sonam and Raj allegedly finalize plans to eliminate Raja.
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May 23: Raja goes missing during a trek.
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May 27: His body is discovered in a gorge near Sohra.
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May 31–June 2: Police arrest three men in Madhya Pradesh and begin tracking Sonam.
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June 3: Sonam is spotted crying at a dhaba in Ghazipur and surrenders to UP Police.
Authorities say a machete found near Raja’s body is being forensically tested to confirm whether it was used in the killing.
What the Police Say
The Meghalaya Police are now coordinating with their counterparts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, with three suspects in custody and one still absconding. Investigators have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine every angle of the case.
Vivek Syiem, speaking about Sonam’s surrender, said, “If you look at it logically, all these days she hadn't come out, but last night, when Raj Kushwaha and others were caught, suddenly she surfaced. That speaks for itself.”
Her actions are now being seen in light of a larger, carefully orchestrated conspiracy to kill her husband and reunite with her lover.
The Bigger Questions
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Was the marriage just a facade to facilitate the murder?
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Did anyone in Sonam’s family suspect the plot?
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What was Raj Kushwaha’s motive—love, revenge, or something more sinister?
The case raises broader concerns about trust in relationships, the potential misuse of technology and location tracking, and how personal relationships can evolve into criminal partnerships.
Conclusion: A Love Story with a Grim Ending
What began as a honeymoon trip for Raja and Sonam ended in tragedy, betrayal, and death. The revelation of a possible romantic affair between Sonam and her employee-turned-lover has added a chilling dimension to the case, making it one of the most disturbing murder stories in recent times.
As justice begins to unfold, the memory of Raja Raghuvanshi remains a stark reminder that some of the darkest crimes are committed not by strangers, but by those closest to us.