The mysterious death of Indore businessman Raja Raghuwanshi during his honeymoon has exposed a chilling murder plot involving his wife Sonam. Here’s the full timeline and twists in the high-profile case.
From Wedding to Murder: The Shocking Beginning of the Raja-Sonam Case
What began as a celebratory wedding on May 11 turned into a chilling murder mystery by the end of the month. Sonam Raghuwanshi and her husband Raja tied the knot in Indore and appeared to begin their married life like any ordinary couple. But by May 23, Raja was dead in Shillong under mysterious circumstances — and now, police say his own wife orchestrated his killing.
A Chilling Honeymoon Plot: How Sonam Lured Raja to Shillong
After the wedding, Sonam returned to her maternal home. During this time, she allegedly plotted the murder. Convincing Raja to go on a honeymoon after visiting the Kamakhya Temple, she laid the groundwork for the crime. On May 20, Sonam and Raja left Indore for Guwahati, traveling separately, while three other suspects headed toward the same destination by train.
After visiting the temple, Sonam led Raja to Shillong on May 22, where hired killers were already present, staying close to their hotel. CCTV footage and call records later confirmed this crucial movement.
The Last Known Moments: What Happened on May 23?
On May 23, CCTV footage captured Sonam and Raja leaving the hotel together. That day, Sonam had a brief conversation with her mother-in-law, claiming she was fasting and hadn’t eaten anything. That was the last contact the family had with the couple. From that point, both Raja and Sonam’s phones went off, sparking concern in their families.
Disappearance and Panic: Police Get Involved After No Contact
By May 24, the family had completely lost touch with the couple. On May 25, news broke in the media that a businessman from Indore had gone missing during his honeymoon in Shillong. This prompted the Madhya Pradesh government to contact the Meghalaya police and initiate a search operation.
Evidence Emerges: Scooty, Phone Parts, and a Corpse
On May 27, authorities found a scooty that Raja had rented, abandoned near a café. Soon after, as heavy rains slowed the search, parts of a mobile phone and other items were recovered. On June 2, Raja’s decomposed body was found in a deep gorge. He was identified by a tattoo. With this discovery, the hunt for Sonam intensified.
Family Suspicion and Strange Rituals
As speculation grew, Raja’s family questioned police efforts and alleged that Sonam might have fled to Bangladesh. Meanwhile, her family hung an upside-down photo of her outside their house, hoping for her return as per astrological advice. Demands for a CBI investigation gained momentum.
Breakthrough in the Case: Sonam Found, Killers Arrested
On June 9, Sonam was found unconscious at a roadside eatery in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Around the same time, three co-accused were arrested in Madhya Pradesh. The entire investigation shifted dramatically. Meghalaya police revealed that Sonam had orchestrated the murder and fled to Indore with the killers post-crime.
Lover and Co-Conspirators: The Web Unravels
According to police, Sonam stayed in a rented house in Indore with her lover Raj Kushwaha after the murder. Once she realized police were closing in, she fled to Varanasi by cab and eventually surrendered in Ghazipur. Tickets for the killers were arranged by Raj, exposing a well-planned murder conspiracy. Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, Anand Kurmi, Vishal Chauhan, and Akash Rajput are now in police custody.
Lies, Deceit, and Motive: Vrat, Affair, and Cover-Up
Sonam falsely claimed to be fasting during her final call with Raja’s mother, while investigations revealed the couple had eaten at a hotel before Raja’s disappearance. This lie helped investigators shift focus towards her. The guide’s testimony, who saw Sonam and Raja with three unknown men, also proved vital.
Where the Case Stands Now
Sonam is currently in Meghalaya police custody. Raja’s family believes Sonam’s mother knew about her affair but deliberately concealed it. As the case unfolds, authorities continue to piece together one of the most twisted honeymoon murders India has seen in recent times.
