Shillong, June 9, 2025 – In a shocking breakthrough early Monday morning, Meghalaya Police confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, wife of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly orchestrated his murder by hiring contract killers during their honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya. The unusual case, which started as a missing-person investigation, has now been classified as premeditated homicide.
🔍 Key Developments
- Suspect and Hitmen Detained
- Sonam surrendered at a police checkpoint in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, late Sunday night.
- Meanwhile, three alleged assailants—contract killers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh—were arrested in coordinated overnight raids.
- Evidence from Local Guide
- Tourist guide Albert Pde provided a crucial eyewitness account: the couple was seen on May 23 accompanied by three unidentified Hindi-speaking men as they climbed the 3,000 steps from Nongriat to Mawlkhaiat. His testimony became central to piecing together the plot and enabling suspect identifications.
🗓️ Timeline of Tragedy
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2025 | Raja and Sonam marry in Indore. |
| May 20 | Raja’s body was recovered from a gorge beneath Wei Sawdong Falls. |
| May 22 | Arrive in Nongriat; local guide Albert Pde offers to assist. They decline. |
| May 23, ~10 AM | Guide spots Sonam, Raja, and three men ascending steps. Last confirmed sighting. |
| May 24 | Abandoned scooter found in Sohrarim; couple reported missing. |
| June 2 | Police arrested the wife and three suspects across multiple states. |
| June 8-9 | Police arrest the wife and three suspects across multiple states. |
✍️ Official Statements & Family Reactions
- Police Findings
Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang stated that investigators found that Sonam “hired contract killers” to murder her husband while on honeymoon.
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma praised the police: “Within 7 days, a breakthrough has been achieved. Three assailants from Madhya Pradesh arrested, the female has surrendered, and the operation is still on to catch 1 more.” - Family’s Defence
Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, strongly refuted the allegations. He claimed Sonam voluntarily travelled to Ghazipur, wasn’t arrested in Meghalaya, and demanded a CBI probe, accusing local police of fabrications.
⚖️ Investigation Underway
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues inquiries into one remaining suspect.
- Investigators are reconstructing the digital and physical trail—from the abandoned scooter to the recovered machete and damaged phone.
- Police are also determining Sonam’s role and any additional conspirators involved in planning or executing the crime.
🧠What Happens Next?
- Sonam and the arrested men are expected to be transferred to Meghalaya for formal charges and judicial proceedings.
- Sonam’s family continues to call for a Central agency probe (CBI) probe, promising full cooperation should charges escalate.
- Broader implications could include a reassessment of honeymoon safety in remote touristic areas and the potential for harsh sentences under charges of premeditated murder.
🛑 In Summary
Meghalaya Police have concluded that businessman Raja Raghuvanshi was not a casualty of chance during his honeymoon, but the victim of a planned assassination, allegedly orchestrated by his wife, who hired hitmen. The swift joint investigation across multiple states has resulted in the arrest of all known suspects, yet legal proceedings are still unfolding. In the midst of this, Sonam’s family maintains her innocence and is pushing for a broader, impartial inquiry.
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