The mist-covered valleys of Meghalaya have witnessed a dark crime that has sent shockwaves across India—a young man murdered during his honeymoon, allegedly by the very person he trusted most: his new bride. With mounting evidence, police say Sonam Raghuvanshi, just days into her marriage, plotted her husband’s murder with her secret lover, who used the false identity “Sanjay Verma” to evade suspicion.
A Trip Meant for Love, Ended in Death
Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old businessman from Indore, married Sonam on May 11, 2025. Soon after, the couple departed for their honeymoon to the lush hills of Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. They checked into a homestay in Nongriat on May 22. The next day, they went on a trek—one that would end Raja’s life.
Raja went missing on May 24. After a prolonged search, police recovered his decomposed body on June 2 at the base of Wei-Sawdong Falls. What at first appeared to be a tragic accident slowly began revealing signs of foul play.
The Puzzle Begins with a Phone Call
While examining Sonam’s phone records, investigators were drawn to a single name that appeared repeatedly: Sanjay Verma. Over 200 calls had been exchanged between Sonam and Sanjay before and during the honeymoon—an alarming discovery.
Further investigation revealed the truth: Sanjay Verma didn’t exist. The person behind the name was Raj Kushwaha, a 24-year-old man from Indore and Sonam’s former lover. Raj had worked at Sonam’s brother’s business, where the two reportedly began their affair.
Even after her marriage, Sonam remained in close contact with Raj. Police now believe the honeymoon was used as a pretext for a meticulously planned murder, with Raj playing the role of remote coordinator.
The Co-Conspirators Enter the Scene
According to Meghalaya Police, Raj hired three men—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Patel—who traveled to Meghalaya to assist in the crime. These men joined the couple on their trek on May 23, posing as fellow tourists.
Local guide Albert Padi later reported seeing Sonam and Raja accompanied by three unfamiliar Hindi-speaking men. On that very day, Raja was struck with a weapon and pushed off a cliff into the gorge below. The murder weapon—a blood-stained local machete—was recovered near the site.
Evidence Mounts Against Sonam
When Raja’s body was found, his luggage and ID were still at the homestay. Suspiciously, Sonam had disappeared without notifying local authorities. CCTV footage from a petrol station on May 22 showed the couple together. The white shirt Sonam wore in that video was found abandoned near the body, linking her to the crime scene.
Furthermore, forensic tests confirmed Raja’s blood on the weapon. Witness accounts, phone records, and location data placed Sonam with her husband at the time of his death, and in close communication with Raj.
The Arrests and Shocking Confessions
After days on the run, Sonam was tracked down in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 9. She recorded a short video insisting on her innocence but surrendered to police shortly after.
Under interrogation, Sonam reportedly confessed that she watched the killers murder Raja. Raj Kushwaha was arrested in Indore the same week, along with the three hired men. All four confessed during police questioning, detailing how the murder was planned and carried out with Sonam’s full knowledge and cooperation.
Motives: Passion and Control
Investigators believe that the motive was twofold: emotional attachment and financial gain. Raj was allegedly obsessed with Sonam and viewed Raja as an obstacle to their future together. Meanwhile, police suspect that Raja’s assets may have also been a driving factor behind the conspiracy.
ACP Poonam Chand Yadav, leading the case, stated, “This was not a crime of impulse. It was detailed, deliberate, and deeply disturbing.”
Public and Family Reaction
Raja’s family is devastated. His mother demanded justice, saying, “My son went on his honeymoon full of love and hope. What he didn’t know was that he had been marked for death.”
Sonam’s family, on the other hand, is fighting back. They have alleged that the police forced a confession and are scapegoating her. They’ve called for a CBI inquiry into the matter.
Legal Proceedings Underway
All five accused are currently in judicial custody in Shillong. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to finalize the charge sheet. The case is likely to go to trial in the coming weeks.
Legal experts say the strong chain of digital evidence, CCTV footage, forensic analysis, and multiple confessions make this case unusually clear-cut. “What makes it terrifying,” said one lawyer, “is how coldly it was executed.”
