What should have been the beginning of a lifetime together ended in a calculated killing deep within the forests of Meghalaya. The tragic death of Raja Raghuvanshi during a honeymoon trek in Cherrapunji has now been confirmed as a premeditated murder—a plot involving his wife, her secret lover, and three hired killers. Police allege the entire operation was masterminded in secret and executed under the guise of a romantic vacation.
The Illusion of a Honeymoon
On May 11, 2025, 29-year-old Raja married Sonam in Indore. Described by friends and family as a quiet, sincere man, Raja had looked forward to his honeymoon—a trip planned to the tranquil hills of Meghalaya. On May 22, the couple checked into a homestay in Nongriat, a popular trekking destination near the Wei-Sawdong waterfalls.
But two days later, Raja vanished without a trace.
Initially, local authorities suspected he may have slipped during a trek. However, on June 2, when his decomposed body was found in a steep gorge—with visible injuries to his head and torso—the case shifted from an accident to a suspected murder.
The Discovery of a Double Life
As investigators began their search for clues, Sonam’s mobile phone data emerged as the first critical lead. Her call records included frequent, long-duration conversations with a man saved as “Sanjay Verma.” He wasn’t a family member. Nor was he a colleague. In fact, he didn’t exist at all.
Further investigation revealed “Sanjay Verma” was a false identity used by Raj Kushwaha—a 24-year-old man from Indore, employed at Sonam’s brother’s factory. Raj wasn’t just an acquaintance. He was her lover. Their affair had begun months before her marriage, and it continued—covertly—even after her wedding to Raja.
The phone records exposed more than just affection. They revealed a plan.
Murder on the Trail
Local villagers and a guide confirmed that Sonam and Raja were seen hiking with three unknown men on May 23. These men, later identified as Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Patel, had allegedly been hired by Raj to carry out the murder. They pretended to be fellow tourists, blending into the background of the tourist-heavy region.
That day, police allege, Raja was attacked from behind with a blunt weapon and thrown into the gorge. Forensic teams found a “dao” (a local machete) stained with Raja’s blood, along with a shirt worn by Sonam during the trek.
A petrol station CCTV from May 22 showed the couple together, looking seemingly happy—until the following day, when Raja vanished forever.
The Aftermath: Lies and a Flight
After the murder, Sonam allegedly returned to her homestay, packed her belongings—leaving behind valuables and her mangalsutra to fabricate a narrative—and fled. She resurfaced days later in Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Raja’s family, frustrated by the lack of progress, pushed for a deeper inquiry. That pressure led to the unraveling of the murder-for-love plot.
Sonam was arrested on June 9 in Ghazipur. She initially claimed innocence in a video recorded before her surrender, but under interrogation, police say she admitted to her role in the crime. Raj and the three alleged killers were arrested soon after in Madhya Pradesh and reportedly confessed as well.
Betrayal at the Core
The murder, authorities believe, was fueled by a mix of obsession, jealousy, and a desire to start a new life—free of obstacles. “This wasn’t just a murder—it was the ultimate betrayal,” said ACP Poonam Chand Yadav. “A honeymoon was used as the perfect alibi for a brutal execution.”
Police found messages between Sonam and Raj planning Raja’s movements, tracking his location, and updating each other in code. Some messages appeared to discuss escape routes and how to “disappear” after the crime.
Public Outrage and Emotional Fallout
The crime has horrified the public. Raja’s family is calling for capital punishment. “He loved her. He treated her with respect,” his mother told reporters. “And she murdered him with no remorse.”
Meanwhile, Sonam’s relatives continue to claim that she was manipulated by Raj and coerced into a confession. They have called for an independent inquiry.
The Legal Road Ahead
The Meghalaya Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to oversee the final stages of the probe. A detailed charge sheet is expected within weeks. With confessions, digital evidence, CCTV footage, witness testimony, and forensic reports, authorities believe they have a solid case.
Raja’s death is no longer a mystery—it is a chilling reminder of how modern relationships, when built on lies and secrecy, can spiral into tragedy.
