In a chilling twist to a honeymoon tragedy, Meghalaya police secure 8-day custody of Sonam Raghuvanshi and four aides for the alleged murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi in Shillong.
Article Body
Honeymoon Horror in Meghalaya: Indore Woman Sonam Raghuvanshi and Accomplices Remanded to 8-Day Police Custody
Shillong, June 11 — Special corespondent A planned honeymoon turned into a horrifying homicide as the Shillong Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Wednesday ordered the 8-day police custody of Sonam Raghuvanshi, the primary accused in the alleged premeditated murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Alongside her, four alleged accomplices have also been remanded for further interrogation.
What began as a newlywed couple’s escape into the scenic serenity of Meghalaya’s hills has quickly spiraled into one of the most disturbing spousal murder cases the state has seen in recent years.
Sonam Raghuvanshi and Four Aides Sent to 8-Day Police Custody in Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case
The Crime That Shocked the Northeast
According to senior police officials, Raja Raghuvanshi, a 30-year-old IT professional from Indore, arrived in Shillong last week with his wife Sonam, 28, barely a month after their wedding. The couple had checked into a boutique resort on the outskirts of the city, known for its secluded trails and panoramic views.
But joy turned to tragedy on June 9, when Raja’s lifeless body was discovered near a cliff in the Laitlum canyon area—a popular tourist destination but also notoriously isolated. At first, authorities were told it was a trekking mishap. However, inconsistencies in Sonam's statements and the sudden arrival of multiple acquaintances from her hometown raised red flags.
A Web of Deceit: What Police Have Uncovered So Far
Following a swift and secretive investigation, Meghalaya police allege that Sonam orchestrated the murder, luring Raja to a remote location under the guise of a photo stop. The four others — identified as her close friends and two ex-associates — are accused of helping her execute the plan, dispose of evidence, and attempt to manipulate the scene to mimic an accident.
DIG (Crime) R. Kharkongor stated:
"This was not a spur-of-the-moment crime. There are strong indications of planning that may date back weeks before the couple arrived in Meghalaya."
Mobile data, CCTV footage, and hotel booking records are being cited as primary evidence. Police believe the group arrived separately in Shillong and kept a low profile, checking into different hotels and coordinating via burner phones.
Inside the Courtroom: Judge Grants 8-Day Remand
The five accused were produced before the Shillong Chief Judicial Magistrate under tight security on the morning of June 11. After hearing arguments from the prosecution citing the need for custodial interrogation and forensic cross-checks, the court granted the Meghalaya police 8 days of custody, expiring on June 19.
A public prosecutor confirmed that digital forensic experts and psychological profiling will be part of the upcoming investigation phase. “There’s a potential financial motive. We’re verifying life insurance policies and prior disputes,” the prosecutor added.
Family and Public Reaction: Grief, Anger, and Demand for Justice
Back in Indore, Raja’s family is reportedly devastated and demanding a speedy and public trial. His father, Rajeev Raghuvanshi, issued a tearful statement outside their residence:
“My son believed in love, in trust. He married her against some of our initial doubts. We never imagined it would end like this.”
Social media platforms have erupted in outrage over the case, drawing comparisons to infamous domestic homicide incidents and igniting debates on trust, betrayal, and pre-marital red flags.
Tourism Industry on Edge in Meghalaya
Meghalaya, often hailed as the Scotland of the East, has long promoted itself as a honeymoon and eco-tourism destination. This high-profile case is casting a shadow over its reputation.
Local tourism officials are working to control the narrative, emphasizing that the incident was a targeted and pre-planned domestic crime, not an attack on general tourist safety.
“We want to assure visitors that Meghalaya remains safe. This tragedy, while shocking, does not reflect our community or our hospitality sector,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Tourism.
A Deepening Investigation: More Arrests Possible?
Sources close to the case hint at possible further arrests, including those who may have assisted with logistics or advised Sonam remotely. The group’s digital footprint—especially transactions, private chats, and call logs—is now under intense scrutiny.
Meanwhile, a central forensic team from Guwahati is expected to join the probe to expedite toxicology reports and crime scene validation.
Conclusion: A Marriage Masking a Motive
As the case unfolds, what appears is a chilling narrative of mistrust, manipulation, and malevolence hidden behind the smile of a honeymoon photo.
While investigators work to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy, one thing is certain: Raja Raghuvanshi’s story has shaken the conscience of a nation. And for Sonam Raghuvanshi, who now sits behind bars in Shillong, the honeymoon is over—forever.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic abuse or marital manipulation, seek help immediately. Confidential support is available 24/7 through national helplines.
