The plot to kill Raja Raghuvanshi: As killers tracked honeymooners to Meghalaya, Raj Kushwaha stayed back in Indore, lingered around Sonam’s family
Raja Raghuvanshi and his new bride Sonam had planned a picturesque honeymoon in Meghalaya. Surrounded by waterfalls and hills, their trip appeared joyful. However, only one of them returned. Raja, a 29-year-old pharmaceutical worker from Indore, was brutally murdered in the heart of northeast India, and his body was discovered beneath the scenic Wei Sawdong waterfall.
This wasn’t a random crime. Investigators now believe Raja fell victim to a premeditated plot involving his wife and her alleged lover. Their plan stretched across cities, manipulating emotions and using technology to cover their tracks.
From Wedding Bells to Sinister Whispers
Raja and Sonam tied the knot on May 11, 2025, in Indore. Family and friends celebrated their union. Raja, described as calm and caring, had no idea that his marriage would lead to betrayal. Behind the scenes, Sonam remained in close contact with Raj Kushwaha, a man she had known from work.
A few days after the wedding, on May 20, the couple left for Meghalaya. Their itinerary included stops at Cherrapunji and Nongriat village, known for living root bridges and breathtaking landscapes. To outsiders, they looked like any other newlyweds enjoying their first days together.
A Sudden Disappearance Raises Alarms
On May 22, Raja and Sonam were last seen hiking near Nongriat. Local guides noticed them exploring the forest trails. However, they did not return to their guesthouse that evening. Their rented scooter sat abandoned on a forest trail between Cherrapunji and Shillong the next morning.
Family members, unable to reach them, grew anxious and reported the matter to the police. Authorities quickly launched a search operation. Divers from the National Disaster Response Force combed through treacherous terrain.
Finally, on June 2, search teams located Raja’s body at the base of Wei Sawdong Falls. His throat had been slit, and his mobile phone lay destroyed nearby. Blood stains and a machete (locally known as a dao) confirmed suspicions of foul play.
The Investigation Unveils a Shocking Conspiracy
Meghalaya Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to crack the case. With help from local authorities and cybercrime units, they traced Sonam’s phone and analyzed CCTV footage. Her frequent calls to Raj Kushwaha raised immediate red flags.
Evidence suggested that five men had followed the couple from Indore to Meghalaya. Their movements matched the couple’s locations during the trip. One of the suspects even posed as a tourist and stayed in a lodge near the honeymooners.
The police soon arrested four suspects:
- Akash Rajput (19), Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), Indore
- Raj Singh Kushwaha (21), Indore
- Anand Kurmi, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
The fifth suspect remains at large.
Notably, investigators discovered that the murder weapon had been purchased online from Guwahati. Payment was linked to a wallet frequently accessed by Sonam.
A Twist in the Tale: Sonam Found in Varanasi
While police closed in on the suspects, Sonam remained missing. Eventually, on June 9, she turned up at a roadside dhaba near Varanasi. She looked disoriented and frightened. Eyewitnesses said she barely spoke before borrowing a phone to call her brother.
Police picked her up shortly afterward and initiated legal proceedings. She offered no clear explanation for her journey from Meghalaya to Uttar Pradesh. Authorities believe the conspirators may have helped her escape the crime scene.
Love, Jealousy, and a Chilling Motive
Raj Kushwaha allegedly maintained a romantic relationship with Sonam before her wedding. According to sources, they plotted the murder to remove Raja from their lives and live together freely.
While it remains unclear whether Sonam acted under pressure or free will, digital records suggest she played an active role in coordinating the crime. Conversations, money transfers, and travel plans reveal a deeply disturbing narrative.
Raja’s family, devastated by his loss, demands justice. His elder brother, struggling to accept the betrayal, called the crime “beyond inhuman.” “She destroyed our family. We trusted her,” he said.
Unanswered Questions Linger
Despite the arrests and mounting evidence, several questions remain. How did five men manage to trail a newlywed couple across multiple states without detection? Did they receive assistance from locals? And perhaps most disturbingly—how could Sonam, a bride of only days, allegedly plan her husband’s murder while pretending to love him?
The complexity of the crime shocked even seasoned officers. Authorities continue to probe deeper, determined to uncover every detail behind this tragic event.
Conclusion: A Tragedy That Shattered Trust
The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi is more than just a crime story—it’s a haunting example of how love, when twisted by jealousy and manipulation, can lead to unimaginable violence. What started as a honeymoon ended in heartbreak and loss. As the judicial process moves forward, the nation watches closely, hoping justice prevails.
