Meghalaya, India – June 9, 2025 — In a chilling turn of events, a newlywed bride has been arrested in India for allegedly orchestrating the murder of her husband during their honeymoon in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. The case, initially treated as a missing persons investigation, has since evolved into a suspected murder conspiracy involving multiple accomplices.
Disappearance and Discovery
Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi, residents of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, were reported missing on May 23 while visiting the scenic Wei Sawdong waterfalls near Cherrapunji. The couple had been married on May 11 and had embarked on their honeymoon to Meghalaya on May 20.
According to police, the couple’s rented scooter was found abandoned near Sohrarim village, prompting a massive search operation. After more than a week of investigation, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered on June 2 at the bottom of a gorge near the waterfall, alongside a machete believed to be the murder weapon.
Murder Plot and Arrests
Following the discovery, police launched a deeper investigation that led to the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with three accomplices, including two men from Madhya Pradesh and one from Uttar Pradesh. Authorities allege that Sonam plotted her husband’s murder with the help of her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, and hired hitmen to carry out the killing during the couple’s honeymoon trek.
One more suspect is currently at large, and a nationwide manhunt is underway.
Bride’s Arrest in Uttar Pradesh
Sonam was arrested in the early hours of June 9 from a roadside eatery called “Kashi Dhaba” on the Varanasi–Ghazipur highway in Uttar Pradesh. Eyewitnesses, including the dhaba owner, reported that she appeared distressed and asked to make a phone call before police arrived.
“She came crying, saying she was lost and wanted to call someone. I grew suspicious and called the police,” the owner told media outlets.
While Sonam claims she voluntarily surrendered, her family insists she was coerced into confessing.
Motive: Alleged Affair
Investigators believe the motive for the murder lies in Sonam’s alleged romantic relationship with Raj Kushwaha, who was previously employed by her. Phone records and statements from Raja’s family reportedly support the theory of an ongoing affair, with Kushwaha frequently in contact with Sonam even after her marriage.
Police allege that the murder was meticulously planned before the couple left Indore and that the location of the crime was strategically chosen due to its remote, forested terrain.
Timeline of Events
Date Event
May 11 Raja and Sonam marry in Indore
May 20 Couple departs for honeymoon in Meghalaya
May 22 Visit to Nongriat living root bridge
May 23 Couple disappears near Wei Sawdong Falls
June 2 Raja’s body discovered in a deep gorge
June 7–8 Arrests of Sonam’s three accomplices
June 9 Sonam arrested from a roadside eatery in Uttar Pradesh
Investigation Continues
Authorities in Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are now coordinating efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect. Meanwhile, Sonam and the other accused are being transported to Meghalaya for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
“This case has exposed a deeply disturbing conspiracy masked under the cover of a honeymoon,” a senior Meghalaya police official stated.
The incident has shocked the nation, raising questions about trust, betrayal, and premeditated violence in marital relationships. Legal experts anticipate a high-profile trial in the coming months.
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