Introduction
Meghalaya Couple the story of Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, a newlywed couple from Indore, began as a romantic honeymoon in the lush hills of Meghalaya. Yet it has turned into one of the most chilling murder cases of 2025. Reports confirm that Sonam allegedly hired hitmen to kill her husband, transforming a fairytale getaway into a chilling crime.
This blog dives deep into:
- The couple’s honeymoon
- The shocking disappearance
- Key eyewitness and police testimony
- Arrests and confessions
- Legal ramifications and public reaction
Let’s get started.
The Honeymoon & Disappearance Meghalaya Couple
- May 22, 2025: Raja and Sonam arrive in Nongriat village, East Khasi Hills, to trek to the famous Living Root Bridge.
- May 23, 2025: They check out of the homestay around 10 AM and begin the trek back via the 3,000 steps to Mawlkhaith. They vanish soon after. marathi.indiatimes.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15ndtv.com+15m.economictimes.com+3hindustantimes.com+3economictimes.indiatimes.com+3
This disappearance sparked a massive search operation involving Meghalaya police, NDRF, SDRF, and drones.
First Signs of Trouble: Discovery of Raja’s Body
- June 2, 2025: Drone teams from Meghalaya police locate Raja’s body at the base of a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls—he had tragically fallen during his trek. en.wikipedia.org+1indianexpress.com+1facebook.com
- A blood-stained machete, mobile phone fragments, and a white shirt were found nearby. economictimes.indiatimes.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1
The Pune police classified this as suspicious death, initiating a murder investigation.
The Key Witness: A Rejected Local Guide
- Albert Pde, a local tour guide, reportedly offered services on May 22, but the couple declined. facebook.comfacebook.com+1m.economictimes.com+1economictimes.indiatimes.com+4m.economictimes.com+4economictimes.indiatimes.com+4
- The next day he observed Sonam leading Raja, accompanied by three Hindi-speaking strangers. ndtv.com+10m.economictimes.com+10livemint.com+10
Guidance from Albert became crucial in piecing together the timeline and suspects.
Arrests & Investigation Breakthroughs
- June 7, 2025: Meghalaya police detain Sonam and three assailants—two in Indore and one in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur. timesofindia.indiatimes.com+13m.economictimes.com+13timesofindia.indiatimes.com+13indiatoday.in+2m.economictimes.com+2financialexpress.com+2reddit.com+13livemint.com+13moneycontrol.com+13
- Police allege Sonam planned the murder, hiring the three men. indiatoday.in+15livemint.com+15hindustantimes.com+15
- A blood-stained machete found at the site suggested a violent attack. economictimes.indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2
Raja’s body was identified by a tattoo, underlining a thorough forensic operation.
Police Statements & Government Response
- DGP I Nongrang confirmed Sonam “hired killers” and all four suspects are in custody. economictimes.indiatimes.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15indiatoday.in+11livemint.com+11indianexpress.com+11
- Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma praised police efficiency, commending their seven‑day resolve. m.economictimes.com+6livemint.com+6m.economictimes.com+6
Authorities continue combing for the potential fifth accomplice.
Family’s Allegations & Demand for CBI Probe
Sonam’s family states:
- She “surrendered voluntarily” and was found shockingly at a Ghazipur dhaba. m.economictimes.com+4livemint.com+4economictimes.indiatimes.com+4economictimes.indiatimes.comhindustantimes.com+8moneycontrol.com+8financialexpress.com+8
- Sonam’s father alleges police disregard of pleas; demands a CBI inquiry. economictimes.indiatimes.com
- The brother emphasizes innocence until proven guilty.
Judicial scrutiny intensifies over conflicting statements and procedural transparency.
Victim’s Backstory & Honeymoon Plans
- Raja Raghuvanshi, 29-year-old entrepreneur from Indore, and Sonam married in early May 2025. m.economictimes.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15
- They chose Meghalaya’s natural beauty for their honeymoon—unaware it would become a crime scene.
The came prepared to explore – trekking the famous root bridge and enjoying hill-station bliss.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 20, 2025 | Couple arrives in Shillong |
| May 22 | Stay at Nongriat; guide offered help |
| May 23 | Disappearance during trekking |
| June 2 | Raja’s body found by drone |
| June 7 | Arrests of Sonam & three others |
| June 9 | Official police press conference |
Spotlights & Legal Angles
Murder Charge:
Police allege Sonam conspired and hired hitmen—a premeditated crime.
Enforced Disappearance:
Sonam once missing; later found alive, raising questions.
Role of Witnesses & Evidence:
Tourist guide’s account, CCTV, blood-stained tools—crucial to investigation.
Impact on Meghalaya’s Tourism & Security
This homicide in Mawlkhaith—a popular tourist trek—has shaken the safety narrative.
- Locals & hoteliers worried about future tourism.
- Meghalaya Police assure better patrolling, CCTV installation, and visitor awareness programs.
Societal Reaction & Media Discussion
National media coverage (ET, NDTV, Times of India) sparked outrage and debate.
Social networks like X and Reddit are overflowing with shock and support for justice. economictimes.indiatimes.com+2economictimes.indiatimes.com+2economictimes.indiatimes.com+2m.economictimes.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4economictimes.indiatimes.com+4timesofindia.indiatimes.comlivemint.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1facebook.comhindustantimes.com+3financialexpress.com+3economictimes.indiatimes.com+3
Discussions on honeymoon tourism, rural guide training, missing person protocols.
Expert Insight & Legal Perspectives
- Forensic Expert: stressed importance of evidence, DNA, and weapon analysis.
- Legal Advisor: Sonam’s surrender may impact remand, bail, and trial strategy.
- Psychologist: motive analysis—a calculated betrayal masked by marital bond.
Comparative Cases & Precedents
Comparisons drawn with other honeymoon murders (e.g, Rajasthan), guiding steps for legal reforms and enhanced safety.
What Happens Next?
Formal Charges: Murder, conspiracy, travel misbehavior.
Investigation continues: Identifying 5th suspect, deeper motive analysis.
Family Requests CBI: National-level investigation may follow.
Media scrutiny: Continues to keep pressure on prosecution.
Lessons & Takeaways
- Safety protocols for honeymooners in remote regions
- Trust but verify guides via police registration
- Immediate reporting if one party goes missing
- Equitable investigation respecting legal procedures
Conclusion
The Meghalaya honeymoon murder is a tragic tale of love destroyed and trust betrayed. What started as a dream trip ended in headlines—not for romance, but for a meticulously planned crime. As the investigation deepens, families and investigators demand answers and stricter measures to protect Kerala’s scenic tourism.
