Indore woman arrested for allegedly plotting husband’s murder during Meghalaya honeymoon

What Happened to the Newlywed Couple in Meghalaya?

In a shocking development, a 28-year-old man from Indore, identified as Raja Raghuvanshi, was allegedly murdered during a honeymoon trip with his wife in the scenic Sohra (Cherrapunji) region of Meghalaya. The incident took place on May 23, 2025, but Raja’s body was not recovered until June 2, when it was found deep in a forested gorge near the popular tourist site Wei Sawdong Falls.

On June 9, Meghalaya Police confirmed the arrest of Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the alleged murder. According to authorities, the killing may have been orchestrated as part of a premeditated plot involving hired assassins.

Timeline: How the Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case Developed

The sequence of events leading to Raja’s death began just days after his wedding. He and Sonam had married on May 11, 2025, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. On May 20, the newlyweds arrived in Meghalaya to celebrate their honeymoon. Three days later, on May 23, they checked out of a homestay in Nongriat village, a well-known trekking destination near Sohra. CCTV footage from a nearby shop captured the couple leaving on a rented scooter, marking the last time they were seen together in public.

The next day, May 24, their rented scooter was found abandoned near Sohrarim village, prompting local authorities to initiate a search. The search led to a grim discovery on June 2, when Raja’s decomposed body was found in a 1,200-foot-deep gorge adjacent to Wei Sawdong Falls. Nearby, police recovered a blood-stained machete—referred to locally as a “dao”—and a mobile phone. Forensic investigators concluded that the cause of death was homicide, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was assembled to probe deeper.

On June 9, police arrested Sonam Raghuvanshi in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, following a tip-off after she allegedly made contact with her family. Law enforcement also detained three men believed to have been hired to carry out the murder. A fourth suspect is still on the run, according to senior police officials.

Who Are the People Involved in the Meghalaya Murder Case?

The victim, Raja Raghuvanshi, was a resident of Indore and was described by neighbors and family as enthusiastic and cheerful, especially excited about his honeymoon in Northeast India. He had no known enemies, according to preliminary police reports.

The prime accused, Sonam Raghuvanshi, is believed to have played a central role in orchestrating her husband’s death. Investigators allege that she stayed in constant contact with the hired killers during the trip and manipulated events to isolate her husband in a remote location. Her role, as detailed by the police, included luring Raja into the Sohra region under the pretext of a nature trek, which provided the necessary cover for the assailants to carry out the murder.

Three more suspects, reportedly from Madhya Pradesh, are currently in police custody. Their names have not been disclosed due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Authorities have confirmed that these individuals are being treated as contract killers who were allegedly paid to execute the crime. Efforts are ongoing to locate a fourth suspect who is believed to have coordinated aspects of the plan.

What Do Police Say About the Motive Behind the Murder?

While the official motive has yet to be publicly confirmed, law enforcement believes that the murder was premeditated and likely rooted in personal or financial motives. According to statements made by the Director General of Police (DGP) of Meghalaya and SIT officials, Sonam’s communications with the alleged killers began prior to the couple’s arrival in Meghalaya. Investigators are now reviewing her mobile phone records, messages, and possible financial transactions to establish a clear link and motive.

Authorities have indicated that early evidence points to the possibility of a past relationship or financial dispute as the catalyst for the crime, but have refrained from offering speculation until custodial interrogation is completed. As of now, the police are keeping further details confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation.

How Was the Investigation Conducted Across States?

The investigation gained traction after Raja’s body was located on June 2. The Meghalaya Police quickly constituted a Special Investigation Team, which began collecting forensic evidence from the area surrounding Wei Sawdong Falls. Investigators retrieved a bloodied machete, the victim’s mobile phone, and remnants of torn clothing. CCTV footage from May 23 helped trace the couple’s movements on the day they disappeared.

A local guide informed police that he had seen the couple accompanied by three men moving towards a remote waterfall area. This testimony proved vital in establishing a timeline and identifying accomplices. The major breakthrough came when Sonam attempted to contact her relatives. Using the phone’s geolocation data, authorities tracked her to a location in Ghazipur, where she was apprehended in coordination with Uttar Pradesh Police.

The three additional suspects were apprehended shortly afterward in Madhya Pradesh. Police are now coordinating inter-state intelligence to apprehend the fourth accused, who is believed to have played a key logistical role in the operation.

What Has Been the Public and Political Reaction to the Case?

Public reaction to the case has been one of shock and dismay. The brutal nature of the crime and its timing—during a honeymoon in a popular tourist area—has led to widespread media attention. In Indore, Raja’s family has called for a full investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing concerns about other possible accomplices and undisclosed financial motives.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma praised the prompt action of the state police and assured that no aspect of the case would be ignored. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining tourist safety in the state and called the crime “deeply tragic and disturbing.”

The incident has also sparked conversations about the safety of tourists in remote locations and the need for better surveillance infrastructure in high-traffic destinations like Sohra and Nongriat.

What Is the Legal Status of the Case as of June 9?

As of the latest update, Sonam Raghuvanshi is in police custody in Shillong. The three detained suspects have also been brought to Meghalaya for further interrogation. The Meghalaya Police are preparing to file formal charges under Section 302 (murder), Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), and Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code.

Investigators are currently processing digital data from seized mobile phones and electronic devices. The focus is on retrieving call logs, messages, and encrypted chats that may reveal further details about the conspiracy. Authorities plan to request an extension of police custody to conduct custodial questioning and finalize charge sheets before proceeding to trial.

Why Is the Case Receiving National Attention?

The murder has captured national headlines because it combines multiple elements that generate public concern: a scenic tourist location, a honeymoon narrative, suspected contract killing, and digital evidence trails. The alleged use of encrypted apps to coordinate the murder adds a modern technological angle that law enforcement is now forced to confront.

Public confidence in law enforcement coordination between Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Meghalaya is being closely watched. Additionally, the crime has prompted calls for stronger tourist protections and potential policy responses for emergency reporting systems in isolated destinations.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

In the days ahead, police plan to produce Sonam Raghuvanshi in a Meghalaya court for formal remand and custodial interrogation. The three arrested accomplices will also be presented in court, after which further evidence collection will continue. Law enforcement agencies across the three states involved—Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh—are now sharing intelligence to locate the missing suspect and examine broader connections.

Digital devices are being subjected to forensic examination, and investigators are working with cybercrime units to recover deleted communications and encrypted data. The police have requested the public and media to avoid circulating speculative content and await official statements as the investigation progresses.