A shocking twist in a honeymoon gone wrong has gripped both India and international attention. Newlywed Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi of Indore disappeared from Meghalaya on May 23, prompting frantic searches for the missing couple amidst sprawling treks and dense gorges. What began as a worrying disappearance has escalated into a murder investigation, culminating in the arrest of Sonam in connection with the alleged murder of her husband, Raja.
🚨 Timeline of Events
May 11 – Marriage in Indore
Raja (29) and Sonam (25) Raghuvanshi tie the knot in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
May 20 – Honeymoon Begins
The couple travels to Shillong, Meghalaya, to enjoy their honeymoon.
May 22 – Trek to Nongriat
They rent a scooter, journey to Sohra (Cherrapunji), and trek roughly 3,000 steps down to the root-bridge at Nongriat, staying the night in a local homestay. A guide named Albert Pde offers assistance, but they decline.
May 23 – Last Seen Alive
At about 10 a.m., the couple leaves their homestay in Nongriat, returning towards Mawlakhiat. Guide Albert later spots them — but this time with three Hindi-speaking men. He notices Sonam lagging, walking behind the group. They are never seen again from that point.
May 24 – Scooter Abandoned
Their rented scooter is found at Sohrarim café, with keys still in the ignition — heightening concerns of foul play.
Early June – Search Intensifies
On June 2, authorities discover Raja’s decomposed body in a gorge under Wei Sawdong Falls, alongside a machete believed to be the murder weapon.
A blood-stained machete and a stained raincoat (possibly belonging to Sonam) are recovered nearby; both undergo forensic analysis.
An extensive, multi-agency search continues for Sonam amid the rugged terrain.
June 9 – Arrest & Revelations
Meghalaya Police announce dramatic breakthroughs:
Sonam surrenders at a roadside dhaba in Ghazipur, UP, later taken into custody.
Three alleged assailants — hired by Sonam — arrested in raids across Madhya Pradesh and UP; one suspect remains at large.
DGP I Nongrang confirms the hires were made by Sonam to “orchestrate” Raja’s killing.
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma lauds the state police for their swift action, stating that the case was cracked within seven days.
🕵️ How the Case Unfolded
Key to the swift unraveling of the case was guide Albert Pde’s testimony. After being rejected as a guide on May 22, he witnessed the couple’s final trek the following day — accompanied by strangers speaking Hindi. His vigilance provided a pivotal lead linking Sonam to suspected conspirators.
Police combed through CCTV footage from Balaji Homestay and reconstructed the couple’s final hours, confirming that they had checked out early May 23 before vanishing.
📰 Present Status & Legal Proceedings
Sonam is now in custody and under ongoing interrogation in Ghazipur. Authorities are working toward her transfer to Meghalaya.
Three suspects involved in executing the killing have confessed to their roles. Police continue operations to apprehend the remaining suspect(s) .
Forensic investigations into the machete, raincoat, and Raja’s body are progressing, providing crucial forensic evidence.
The ongoing search for Sonam continues amidst speculation that foul play or further conspiracies may be involved. Meanwhile, Raja’s family, based in Indore, has called for a CBI investigation, questioning whether state police are conducting an impartial probe. They point to missing valuables from Raja’s body — including a gold chain and ring — raising the possibility of robbery turning lethal.
🌍 International View & Reactions
In India, the case has ignited widespread outrage against spousal betrayal and suspected contract killings — highlighted by widespread media coverage.
EU & US readers are struck by the brazenness of hiring assassins on honeymoon and the swift cross-border cooperation it triggered between Meghalaya, MP, and UP police forces.
This case underscores how modern tourism can swiftly turn tragic, and how even remote regions are vulnerable to orchestrated violence.
🔍 What Comes Next
Forensic Confirmation: Raincoat and machete analysis, coupled with Raja’s autopsy, will be pivotal in establishing cause and timeline of death.
Sonam’s Legal Fate: Will face charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy. Her surrender suggests potential bargaining amid interrogation.
Remaining Suspects: Police continue operations in Madhya Pradesh to locate those still at large.
CBI Demand: The Raghuvanshi family’s plea for a federal-level inquiry introduces political gravity, adding scrutiny to ongoing proceedings.
Closing Thoughts
The tragedy that began with a romantic honeymoon has become a grim lesson in betrayal, premeditated violence, and the unflinching pursuit of justice. With forensic data, interrogations, and the hunt for remaining suspects underway, authorities hope to close this chapter soon. For now, the world watches as the story of Raja and Sonam unfolds — a chilling narrative of love turned lethal against the serene backdrop of Meghalaya.