In a dramatic development following a harrowing honeymoon tragedy, Sonam Raghuvanshi (25) has surrendered to police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She stands accused of orchestrating the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi (29), during their honeymoon in the Sohra region of Meghalaya.
Alleged conspiracy and arrests
Meghalaya police have arrested four individuals so far, including Sonam and three alleged contract killers. Two were arrested in Indore, one in UP’s Lalitpur, and another in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. The accused are believed to have confessed that Sonam hired them to kill Raja.
Chilling details emerge
A tourist guide reported seeing the couple with four men during their fateful trek, providing a crucial link in the investigation. Meanwhile, Raja’s mother alleged Sonam arranged the trip and had Raja wear ₹10 lakh worth of jewellery, hinting at premeditation.
Possible motive: alleged affair
Family members, including Raja’s brother, have alleged that Sonam maintained an affair with a former employee, Raj Kushwaha, and that this relationship played a role in the killing.
Body discovered, weapon recovered
Raja’s decomposed body, with a slit throat and missing valuables, was discovered in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls on 2 June. A local dao—a traditional cutting tool—and personal items were also recovered, confirming foul play
Wife’s surrender and current custody
Sonam turned herself in at Ghazipur’s Nandganj police station late Sunday, reportedly distressed when she sought help at a roadside dhaba. She’s now under UP police custody and will be transferred to Meghalaya as investigations continue.
Public and familial reaction
The case has sparked outrage and disbelief both in Meghalaya and Indore. Raja’s family has called for a CBI investigation or handover to central agencies. Meanwhile, Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, praised the police for a “major breakthrough” achieved within a week.
This chilling case of possible marital betrayal, a meticulously planned murder, and a wife turned prime suspect has captured headlines and highlighted the complexities of crime investigations in India.
