The Meghalaya murder case

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🔍 The Grisly Incident That Shocked a Nation

On 23 May 2025, newlyweds Raja (29) and Sonam Raghuvanshi (25) from Indore embarked on what was meant to be a romantic honeymoon in Meghalaya. After checking out of a homestay at Nongriat, near Cherrapunji (Sohra), they vanished without a trace (hindustantimes.com).

Almost three weeks later, on 2 June 2025, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered at the foot of a gorge beneath the Wei Sawdong Falls during an NDRF drone search. Identification was made possible by a distinctive tattoo on his hand (en.wikipedia.org). A bloodstained dao—common to the region—was found nearby, confirming police suspicions of foul play (en.wikipedia.org).


🕵️‍♀️ Investigative Breakthroughs & Timeline

  1. 23 May: Couple disappears after leaving Nongriat. Last call logged from Sonam’s phone at 1:43 PM (en.wikipedia.org).

  2. 24 May: Their rented scooter found abandoned near the Shillong–Sohra road (en.wikipedia.org).

  3. 2 June: Raja’s body recovered; a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is formed (en.wikipedia.org).

  4. 3–6 June: Investigators catalogue crime scene evidence—bloodstained clothes, blister packs, mobile fragments, and CCTV footage. A local guide reports seeing the couple with three unknown men on 23 May (en.wikipedia.org).

  5. 9 June: Sonam surrenders in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Meghalaya and UP police arrest her along with three others in UP, Indore, and MP; one suspect remains at large (indiatimes.com).

  6. Same Day: Police allege Sonam hired “hitmen” to execute her husband during the honeymoon, citing financial motive and alleged romantic involvement with a man named Raj Kushwahal (indianexpress.com).

    7. 🔍 What Lies Ahead

    • Arresting the final suspect remains a priority for investigators.

    • Forensic analysis of recovered items—dao, blood, clothing—will be crucial for court proceedings.

    • The SIT will determine the depth of conspiracy, Sonam’s exact role, and possible accomplices.

    • Sonam’s bail plea may hinge on whether police establish a clear financial benefit and motive.

    • CBI petition from Sonam’s family and public sentiment could potentially elevate oversight to a federal inquiry.

    🕰️ Why This Case Resonates

    • It dispels the myth of the “perfect honeymoon,” revealing how tragedy can unfold in paradise.

    • Raises pressing questions about spousal violence, life insurance crimes, and honeymoon crime prevention.

    • Highlights investigative strengths—like drone surveillance and local informants—in terrain-challenging Northeast India.

    • Proposes broader systemic issues in rural India—poor telecom coverage and infrastructure that impede timely law enforcement interventions.

    ✍️ Final Thoughts

    The Meghalaya honeymoon murder, with its elements of love, betrayal, financial gain, and cold-blooded planning, has riveted the nation. The SIT’s methodical build-up of a homicide case—from drone-backed recovery to CCTV trails, guide testimonies, and arrests across state lines—underscores a remarkable investigative effort. Still, the final chapters—the arrest of all suspects, trial dynamics, forensic revelations, and Sonam’s defense—will determine whether justice truly prevails.

    I’ll continue monitoring developments closely. If you'd like, I can provide detailed timelines, profiles of arrested individuals, court case updates, or an exploration of the region’s legal protocols. Just say the word.





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