Key Points
- Raja Raghuvanshi found dead in Meghalaya ditch on June 2; wife Sonam initially reported missing.
- Sonam arrested from Ghazipur dhaba, accused of orchestrating husband’s murder with lover.
- Three suspects in custody including Sonam and her alleged lover Raj.
- Sonam claims innocence, alleges kidnapping; father demands CBI investigation.
- Complex transit operation underway to bring accused from UP to Meghalaya for interrogation.
- Case transforms from missing person to alleged conspiracy murder involving extramarital affair.
New Delhi: What began as a romantic honeymoon getaway to the scenic hills of Meghalaya has transformed into a shocking murder conspiracy that has left two families devastated and investigators piecing together a web of alleged betrayal and premeditated violence.
The Discovery That Changed Everything
On June 2, 2025, the lifeless body of Raja Raghuvanshi was discovered in a remote ditch in Meghalaya, while his newlywed wife Sonam was nowhere to be found. The couple from Indore had traveled to the northeastern state for their honeymoon, expecting to create beautiful memories in one of India’s most picturesque destinations.
Initially treated as a case involving a missing person and potential accident, the investigation took a dramatic turn when Meghalaya Police tracked down Sonam Raghuvanshi to a roadside dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. What followed was a revelation that stunned both families and investigators.
The Alleged Conspiracy Unfolds
Police investigations have revealed what they describe as a carefully orchestrated murder plot. According to Meghalaya Police, Sonam had been involved in an extramarital relationship with a man named Raj. The authorities allege that Sonam, along with her lover and three accomplices, conspired to murder Raja during their honeymoon trip.
The accused allegedly disposed of Raja’s body by throwing it into a ditch, while Sonam disappeared from the scene to create the impression that she too had fallen victim to foul play. This calculated move was designed to deflect suspicion and portray her as another victim rather than the alleged mastermind.
Cross-Country Pursuit and Arrest
The investigation led police on a cross-country chase that culminated in Sonam’s arrest at a dhaba in Ghazipur. The complex logistics of bringing the accused back to Meghalaya for trial have required coordination between multiple state police forces.
Meghalaya Police executed a carefully planned transit operation, moving Sonam from Ghazipur to Patna by road, with a brief stop at Adarshnagar police station in Buxar. From Patna, the authorities arranged a multi-leg flight journey: Patna to Kolkata, then Kolkata to Guwahati, and finally Guwahati to Shillong on a 4 PM flight.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge
Despite the serious charges against her, Sonam maintains her innocence and has presented an alternative version of events. She claims to have been kidnapped in Meghalaya and subsequently abandoned at the Ghazipur dhaba where police found her. This narrative directly contradicts the police theory of premeditated murder and conspiracy.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Sonam’s father has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter. This request suggests the family believes there may be more to the story than what local police have uncovered, or that they question the thoroughness and impartiality of the current investigation.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
With Sonam now on a 72-hour transit remand, Meghalaya Police are preparing for intensive interrogation sessions once she reaches Shillong. The questioning will likely focus on establishing the timeline of events, her relationship with the co-accused, and the specific roles each suspect played in the alleged conspiracy.
Following the interrogation, Sonam will be produced before a Meghalaya court where formal charges are expected to be filed. The case will then proceed through the judicial system, with prosecutors likely seeking to establish motive, means, and opportunity for the alleged crime.
