Shillong / New Delhi – June 11, 2025:
A seemingly innocuous detail—a mangalsutra and ring left behind in a honeymoon homestay—proved to be the key clue for Meghalaya Police in uncovering the brutal murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.
🔍 The Discovery
Deputy Inspector General DNR Marak told NDTV that, during a search of the Shipara Homestay in Nongriat, officers found Sonam’s mangalsutra and ring placed inside her suitcase. “How can a married woman leave her mangalsutra in a suitcase during their honeymoon?” he questioned, pointing out that the sacred ornament—symbolic of marital commitment—would typically remain on the bride's person (ndtv.com).
This small but significant detail sparked suspicion and prompted a deeper investigation into Sonam’s role in her husband’s disappearance.
🗓 The Honeymoon and Murder
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The couple traveled to Meghalaya for their post-wedding trip on May 20 and checked into the homestay in Nongriat on May 22.
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On May 23, Sonam reportedly led Raja on a trek under the guise of taking scenic photos. At a remote spot, they were ambushed by three hired hitmen and killed, according to police (ndtv.com).
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Raja Raghuvanshi’s decomposed body was found on June 2 at the base of a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls.
🧠 Police Investigation & Arrests
Dubbed "Operation Honeymoon," the investigation quickly gathered momentum:
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By June 3—just a day after Raja’s body was discovered—Meghalaya Police had identified Sonam as the primary suspect (en.wikipedia.org, ndtv.com, ndtv.com).
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A Special Investigation Team (SIT) combed through CCTV footage, mobile phone records, witness statements, and physical evidence, including a blood-stained raincoat and groceries tied to the crime (ndtv.com).
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Sonam and four accomplices were eventually arrested in locations across Indore and Uttar Pradesh (ndtv.com).
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Authorities plan to reconstruct the crime scene in Sohra as part of the ongoing investigation (ndtv.com).
📌 Key Allegations
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Sonam allegedly orchestrated the murder by hiring hitmen.
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She is believed to have plotted the killing with her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, shortly after her wedding (ndtv.com, ndtv.com).
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The mangalsutra and ring, left at the homestay, are seen as proof of intentionality and premeditation.
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Police have gathered call logs, digital footprints, and financial records including a Rs 50,000 payment to the hired killers (ndtv.com).
👁️ Wider Implications
This case, which begins as a heartbreaking honeymoon disappearance, has rapidly escalated into a widely publicized murder investigation involving betrayal, planning, and alleged infidelity. Meghalaya's top police and political leaders have commended the swift and meticulous investigative work.
Disclaimer: This article is based on initial police findings and media reports. Confessions made during police questioning have not yet been tested in court, and under Indian law, only magistrate-recorded statements carry full legal weight. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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