Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder, A Tale of Betrayal Unraveled by ‘Operation Honeymoon’
5 min read
Published: June 10, 2025
In a chilling case that has gripped the nation, the Meghalaya Police’s ‘Operation Honeymoon’ has exposed a meticulously planned murder orchestrated by Sonam Raghuvanshi, a 24-year-old woman from Indore, who allegedly conspired to kill her newlywed husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The investigation, which culminated in the arrest of five individuals, including Sonam and her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, has revealed a web of deceit, betrayal, and cold-blooded execution that unfolded in the serene hills of Meghalaya’s Sohra region.
Background of the Case
Raja Raghuvanshi, a 28-year-old transporter from Indore, and Sonam Raghuvanshi were married on May 11, 2025, in a traditional arranged marriage facilitated through a community matrimonial directory. The couple, who appeared to be embarking on a joyful new chapter, set off for their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 20. However, what was meant to be a romantic getaway turned into a tragedy when the couple was reported missing on May 23. On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra (Cherrapunji), with evidence pointing to a brutal murder. Sonam, initially presumed missing, emerged as the prime suspect, leading to a multi-state police operation that unraveled a shocking conspiracy.
The Breakthrough: ‘Operation Honeymoon’
The Meghalaya Police, under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang, launched ‘Operation Honeymoon’ to crack what was initially a missing persons case but quickly escalated into a high-profile murder investigation. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising 20 core members and supported by 120 personnel, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and drone units, worked tirelessly to piece together the puzzle.
The investigation gained momentum on June 3, just a day after Raja’s body was found, when forensic clues and eyewitness accounts pointed to foul play. A blood-stained machete and a raincoat, believed to have been used to mislead investigators, were recovered near the crime scene. A pivotal lead came from a local tourist guide, Albert Pde, who reported seeing Raja and Sonam accompanied by three Hindi-speaking men on May 23, climbing over 3,000 steps from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat. This testimony redirected the investigation toward a premeditated murder plot.
The Conspiracy: A Love Triangle and Hired Killers
According to police sources, Sonam Raghuvanshi allegedly orchestrated the murder with her lover, Raj Kushwaha, a 21-year-old employee at her father’s plywood business in Indore. The investigation revealed that Sonam, who had distanced herself from Raja even before their marriage, was in constant contact with Kushwaha, sharing her live location to coordinate the crime.
Sonam reportedly hired three contract killers—Akash Rajput (21, from Lalitpur, UP), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22, from Indore), and Anand Kurmi (23, from Satna, MP)—to execute the murder. The group trailed the couple from Guwahati to Shillong, striking on May 23 in a remote area near Wei Sawdong Falls. The autopsy report confirmed Raja died from multiple sharp injuries, with two major wounds to the head, inflicted by a machete purchased in Guwahati.
Investigators allege that Sonam planned the murder as early as May 14, just three days after her wedding, motivated by her relationship with Kushwaha. Text messages between Sonam and Kushwaha revealed her discomfort with Raja’s attempts at intimacy, indicating a premeditated intent to eliminate her husband. The choice of Meghalaya, a far-off destination, was strategic to obscure the crime.
The Investigation: Key Developments
- Discovery of Raja’s Body: On June 2, a police drone located Raja’s semi-decomposed body in a gorge, alongside a blood-stained machete. The absence of his gold ring, chain, and watch initially suggested robbery, but forensic evidence pointed to a targeted killing.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Tourist guide Albert Pde’s account of seeing the couple with three unidentified men on May 23 was a turning point, leading police to suspect a larger conspiracy.
- Forensic Clues: A raincoat, believed to belong to Sonam, was found 6 km from the crime scene, and Akash Rajput’s blood-soaked shirt was recovered at the site. Anand Kurmi was apprehended wearing the same clothes he wore during the murder, further implicating the group.
- Multi-State Raids: The SIT conducted simultaneous raids across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, arresting Akash Rajput in Lalitpur, Vishal Singh Chauhan and Raj Kushwaha in Indore, and Anand Kurmi in Sagar.
- Sonam’s Surrender: On June 8, Sonam surfaced at Kashi Dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway, appearing disoriented. She contacted her brother, triggering a multi-state alert as her contacts were under surveillance. She surrendered at Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur, UP, and was taken into custody. A Ghazipur court granted a three-day transit remand to Meghalaya Police for further questioning.
Sonam’s Defense and Family Reactions
Sonam Raghuvanshi has claimed she was a victim, alleging she was drugged, kidnapped, and abandoned in Uttar Pradesh. However, Meghalaya Police dismissed this as a “poorly planned” attempt to evade justice, citing her coordination with the killers and her movements post-murder. After the crime, Sonam traveled with the killers to Guwahati, stayed there for a day, and then returned to Indore before being driven to Uttar Pradesh.
Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the Meghalaya Police of fabricating the case and demanding a CBI inquiry. “My daughter is innocent. She reached the dhaba on her own and was crying. The police are lying,” he told reporters.
Raja’s family, devastated by the betrayal, expressed disbelief at Sonam’s actions. Uma Raghuvanshi, Raja’s mother, recalled Sonam’s outwardly affectionate demeanor, saying, “She was always smiling, deeply religious. How could I doubt her intentions?” Uma revealed Raja’s reluctance to travel to Meghalaya and Sonam’s insistence on the trip, noting that no return tickets were booked. “If she was unhappy, why not leave? Why kill him?” Uma asked, demanding harsh punishment for all involved.
Impact and Official Statements
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma praised the police for their swift action, stating on X, “Within 7 days, a major breakthrough has been achieved by the #meghalayapolice… well done.” Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh described the case as a “love triangle” turned deadly, emphasizing Meghalaya’s safety for tourists. However, Minister Alexander Laloo Hek demanded an apology from both families for allegedly tarnishing the state’s image, threatening defamation action if they did not comply.
The case has sparked public outrage and debates about trust in arranged marriages. Raja’s brother, Vipul, highlighted the absence of photographs from the couple’s trip, which raised early suspicions. “They hadn’t even booked return tickets,” he noted, underscoring the premeditated nature of the crime.
What’s Next?
The Meghalaya Police are continuing their search for one remaining suspect, with operations ongoing in Madhya Pradesh. Sonam is being transported to Shillong to recreate the crime scene and face further interrogation. The accused, including Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi, have been sent to transit remand for detailed questioning.
As the investigation deepens, questions linger about the motive behind such a heinous act and whether a CBI probe, as demanded by both families, will be initiated. For now, the nation watches as the Meghalaya Police work to ensure justice for Raja Raghuvanshi, whose dream of a blissful honeymoon ended in a tragic betrayal.
