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1. Case Overview
In a tragic twist, 29-year-old Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi was brutally murdered during his honeymoon trip to Meghalaya. His wife Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with four others, are now accused of orchestrating the crime by hiring contract killers to eliminate him in a remote gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji)
2. Timeline of Events
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May 10, 2025: Raja and Sonam marry in Indore.
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May 20: They travel to Guwahati, then arrive in Meghalaya.
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May 22: Stay in Mawlkhiat; trek Njongriat’s living root bridge
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May 23: Last seen alive departing from Nongriat. Their rented scooter found abandoned at Osra Hills by May.
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May 28: Family discovers Raja’s body in a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls; machete found nearby
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June 2: Body identified, triggers police operations .
3. Investigation Breakthroughs
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A local tour guide, Albert Pde, reported seeing the couple with three unidentified men near Nongriat .
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Phone data revealed Sonam was in frequent contact with her former employee Raj Kushwaha, suspected to be the mastermind.
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CCTV footage from local stays captured the couple before they vanished, helping investigators reconstruct their final hours .
4. The Accused & Their Roles
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Sonam Raghuvanshi (wife) – Allegedly hired killers and plotted Raja’s murder with revenge motive; surrendered in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur
Raj Kushwaha (ex-employee, lover) – Alleged key conspirator in planning; maintained close contact with Sonam.
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Three hired assailants (e.g., Anand, Vicky Thakur) – Executed the murder. One reportedly struck the first blow .
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Additional conspirators – Total of four arrests including Sonam.
5. Crime Scene & Evidence
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Abandoned scooter found at Osra Hills.
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Raja’s body discovered near Weisawdong Falls with machete and Sonam’s clothing beside it
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Machete distinct from local Khasi designs—handle wrapped in plastic
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Call records show Sonam’s frequent coordination with Kushwaha.
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Witness testimony places Raja with strangers and Sonam straggling behind.
6. Sonam's Version vs. Allegations
Sonam presented herself at a highway dhaba in Ghazipur, claiming she’d been abducted, fainted after an attempted snatch, and Raja was killed
However, police investigations contradict her story, suggesting she orchestrated the murder, raising suspicions about motives related to property, infidelity, or personal rivalry .
7. Family Reaction & Legal Push
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Raja’s family demands death penalty for Sonam if proven guilty; they’ve requested a CBI investigation, expressing distrust in local infiltration and procedural handling
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Sonam’s father denies her involvement and supports the CBI probe
8. Current Status & What's Next
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Sonam and four accused are detained; the investigation is ongoing.
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Authorities are collecting forensic evidence, analyzing call logs, and tracking down any additional suspects.
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A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Meghalaya police is taking the lead
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