In what is now being described as one of Meghalaya’s most chilling homicide cases, the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed from Indore, has sent shockwaves across the country. The victim, whose body was recovered from a deep gorge near the picturesque Weisawdong Falls, was allegedly murdered during his honeymoon trip. The prime suspect? His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, who surrendered in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur days after his body was discovered.
The case, solved within a week, was cracked through a combination of intense ground operations, forensic clues, and a local guide’s critical testimony.
A Scenic Honeymoon Ends in Tragedy
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi had arrived in Meghalaya on a honeymoon trip and were reported missing from Sohra (Cherrapunji) on May 23. Days later, Raja’s body was found in a remote gorge, with severe injuries. From the outset, investigators suspected foul play, especially as Sonam had vanished under suspicious circumstances.
What began as a search-and-rescue operation quickly turned into a murder investigation.
The Breakthrough: Arrests and a Surrender
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed that the police had made significant progress within seven days. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:
“Within 7 days a major breakthrough has been achieved by the #MeghalayaPolice in the Raja murder case … 3 assailants who are from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, female has surrendered and operation still on to catch 1 more assailant.”
The Meghalaya Police, in coordination with UP and MP authorities, arrested three contract killers allegedly hired by Sonam. She surrendered in Ghazipur and is now in custody.
A Guide’s Testimony Breaks the Case
Crucially, a local trekking guide provided the most vital lead. He told police he saw Raja and Sonam with three unidentified men on the day of their disappearance. According to him, Raja walked ahead with the men, while Sonam trailed behind.
This clue shifted the case's trajectory dramatically and established that Sonam may not have been a victim, but a possible conspirator.
The Machete, the Drone, and the Body
On May 27, after an extensive aerial and ground search involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire services, and volunteers, a drone spotted Raja’s body at the bottom of a gorge. He was positively identified by a tattoo on his hand reading “Raja.”
Nearby, police found several items: a smashed phone, a smartwatch, a white shirt, and most disturbingly, a machete with a plastic handle — unlike traditional tools used in the region. The machete is undergoing forensic tests to determine if it was used in the murder.
Suspicious Circumstances and Forensic Leads
The couple’s rented scooter was found abandoned in Sohrarim, about 25 kilometers from the site of the murder, with the key still in the ignition. The area had been experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds, but the condition and placement of the scooter further fueled police suspicion.
According to investigators, the machete's design suggested it was brought from outside Meghalaya, possibly by the assailants from Madhya Pradesh.
A Nationwide Effort
Solving this case took massive inter-state coordination. Authorities from Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh worked together, with oversight from top officials. Amitabh Yash, ADG Law and Order (UP), confirmed Sonam's transfer to a One Stop Centre after her surrender.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya MP Shankar Lalwani and Rajya Sabha MP Sumer Singh Solanki visited Shillong and were briefed on the investigation’s progress.
The Bigger Picture
While the motive is still being unraveled, sources believe financial and personal issues played a role. The murder was premeditated, and the alleged hiring of contract killers for such a heinous act during what should have been a joyful trip is deeply disturbing.
The Meghalaya Police have been widely praised for their efficiency and professionalism. Chief Minister Sangma personally monitored the investigation, and the quick arrests suggest that meticulous planning and real-time intelligence made the difference.
Conclusion
The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi has gripped the nation — not just because of its brutality, but because it shatters the romantic illusion often associated with honeymoon trips. What began as a celebration of love ended in betrayal and bloodshed.
As forensic tests continue and legal proceedings move forward, one can only hope that justice is swift and comprehensive. The case also raises important questions about trust, mental health, and the extreme ends to which domestic conflicts can escalate.