Meghalaya Police Uncover Honeymoon Murder Plot Involving Businessman

Major Breakthrough in Sohra Murder Case

Shillong, June 9: Meghalaya Police announced a significant development on Monday regarding the murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi from Indore, which is believed to have been planned by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in the East Khasi Hills.

Authorities have apprehended three suspects—two from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and one from Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, Sonam turned herself in to the police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday evening.

All four individuals are charged with conspiring to commit the premeditated murder of the newlywed.

Assistant Inspector General of Police S.R. Marak, who leads the Special Investigation Team (SIT), stated, “This is a crucial step in uncovering the details surrounding Raja Raghuvanshi's tragic demise.”

Marak confirmed Sonam's surrender at the Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur, noting that she is currently in the protective custody of Uttar Pradesh Police. He added that legal procedures are being followed for her transfer and formal statement.

The SIT of Meghalaya Police made progress in the case through persistent investigations and collaboration across state lines.

“This achievement is the result of continuous efforts by the SIT, with support from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, local intelligence units, and police teams from various states,” Marak remarked.

According to police reports, Sonam allegedly hired the assailants and fled the state post-crime. The four suspects will be presented in courts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh before being transferred to Meghalaya on remand.

The couple, who had an arranged marriage on May 11 in Indore, were on their honeymoon in Assam and Meghalaya. They arrived in Meghalaya from Guwahati on May 21 and traveled to Sohra the next day on a rented motorcycle, checking into Shipara Homestay at Nongriat village on May 22 to see the famous double-decker root bridge.

However, they went missing the following morning. On May 24, their motorcycle was discovered abandoned near Sohrarim village, leading Raja's family to file a missing persons report.

After extensive searches, Raja's decomposed body was found on June 2 in a gorge beneath the Wei Sawdong Falls parking area. Sonam remained untraceable until her surrender on June 9.

AIG Marak described the investigation as one of the most challenging in recent history, expressing gratitude to the families, citizens of Meghalaya, and inter-state partners for their support throughout this intricate case.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma praised the police for their prompt action, stating on social media, “In just 7 days, a significant breakthrough has been made in the Raja murder case… three assailants from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, the female suspect has surrendered, and efforts continue to apprehend one more assailant. Well done, Meghalaya Police.”