Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder

Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Bride and Three Others Arrested in Alleged Contract Killing of Husband

Shillong / Indore, June 9, 2025 — A shocking turn of events in Meghalaya has rocked the nation: an Indore man, Raja Raghuvanshi (30), was allegedly murdered during his honeymoon, with his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi (25) and three others in custody for orchestrating the crime.

🧳 Honeymoon Takes a Chilling Turn

The newlyweds began their honeymoon journey on May 20, arriving at Cherrapunji (Sohra) by May 22. On May 23, during a trek from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat, they vanished after checking out of a local homestay. Their rented scooter was later found abandoned on the Shillong–Sohra road .

A tourist guide, Albert Pde, provided crucial testimony:

> “I saw them climbing the 3,000 steps … the woman was trailing behind while the men walked ahead. They spoke in Hindi, which I couldn’t understand …” 

🕵️‍♂️ Discovery and Escalation

On June 2, days after they vanished, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge at Wei Sawdong Falls—drowned southeast of Cherrapunji—prompting the Meghalaya Police to register a homicide case .

Sonam’s whereabouts remained unknown, triggering extensive searches with drones, sniffer dogs, the NDRF, SDRF, and a dedicated Special Investigation Team (SIT). Her phone and backpack were never found—fueling speculation of kidnapping and eliciting calls for a CBI investigation from outraged family members and the National Commission for Women .

🔥 Arrests and Allegations

On June 9, Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang confirmed the arrest of four suspects including Sonam, and alleged a plot involving contract killers hired by the bride herself . According to police, Sonam surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and three associates were apprehended after coordinated raids in MP and UP; one more suspect remains at large .

Security footage from the homestay area shows the couple leaving with a suitcase—initially leading investigators to consider kidnapping before motive evidence surfaced .

🏛️ Public Outcry and Official Response

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma praised police efforts for quickly resolving the case, stating:

> “Within 7 days … 3 assailants … arrested, female has surrendered, operation still on to catch 1 more assailant … well done.” 

Raja's family has appealed directly to Prime Minister Modi for a CBI probe, citing mistrust of local police and fears of deeper criminal motives .

The National Commission for Women has urged Meghalaya police to widen the investigation to ensure no angle is overlooked .

🔍 What Lies Ahead

Forensic findings from CCTV footage and recovered items—such as a stained raincoat and abandoned white suitcase—are expected to offer insights .

Search continues for the fifth suspect, potentially located in either Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh .

The motive remains unclear—with possibilities ranging from financial gain or personal vendetta to darker motives.

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📰 Case Timeline Summary

Date Event

May 20 Bride and groom begin honeymoon journey

May 23 Last seen trekking from Nongriat; both disappear

May 24 Scooter discovered abandoned

June 2 Raja’s body found; murder probe launched

June 5–8 NCW and family demand deeper investigation; Sonam still missing

June 9 Four arrested including Sonam; DGP confirms killing-for-hire plot

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✅ Why This Case Matters

This incident is a stark reminder that even the most romantic of occasions can hide horrific secrets. It underscores the importance of:

Rigorous forensic investigation

Transparency in law enforcement

Legal oversight from bodies like NCW and potentially the CBI

More coverage is expected as forensic results come in and further suspects are apprehended.

@Source: timesofindia.com