KKN Gurugram Desk | The mystery surrounding the murder of Indore resident Raja Raghuwanshi in Meghalaya has deepened nearly 20 days after his body was discovered in a gorge near Shillong. Despite the arrest of his wife Sonam Raghuwanshi and four others, the investigation is still grappling with a critical question — who orchestrated the murder?

The case has taken a complex turn as both Sonam and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha have begun accusing each other of being the real mastermind behind the murder. Their conflicting statements have made it harder for Meghalaya Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) to arrive at a conclusive narrative.

Background: The Honeymoon That Turned Deadly

Raja and Sonam got married on May 11, 2025. As part of their honeymoon, the couple traveled to Guwahati and Shillong, visiting the famous Kamakhya Devi temple en route. However, the romantic getaway turned into a tragedy.

On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a deep gorge, brutally killed using a sharp-edged weapon before being disposed of in a remote location. Initial reports suggested a pre-planned murder involving multiple individuals.

SIT’s Investigation Spans Three States

The Special Investigation Team, dubbed “Operation Honeymoon”, has gathered evidence from Meghalaya, Indore (Madhya Pradesh), and Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh). While Raja and Sonam were residents of Indore, one of the key female accused was apprehended in Ghazipur.

Investigators are analyzing digital trails, call records, ticket bookings, and surveillance footage to determine who played what role in the conspiracy.

Raj Kushwaha’s Statement: “It Was All Sonam’s Plan”

Raj Kushwaha, Sonam’s alleged lover, has denied being the mastermind. In his police interrogation, he claimed that he refused to go to Meghalaya at the last moment and even tried to convince others to drop out of the plan.

A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:

“Raj claimed he did not want to support Sonam’s plan and backed out just before the trip. He says others had second thoughts too, but Sonam had already booked tickets and pressured them into continuing. She allegedly offered ₹15 lakh to get the job done.”

Raj’s claims are currently under verification. If found true, they could significantly shift the trajectory of the case.

Sonam’s Version: “Raj Was the Brain Behind Everything”

In contrast, Sonam has blamed Raj, stating that he was the one who planned the murder and manipulated her into participating. According to her, Raj not only arranged the logistics but also handled the finances and convinced others to execute the plan.

This blame game between the accused lovers has further complicated the investigation. With no clear evidence yet pointing definitively to either one, SIT is carefully reconstructing the timeline using forensic data, messages, and witness accounts.

Was There a Failed Murder Attempt First?

According to some media reports, the hired killers reportedly backed out at the last minute. When it became clear the plan might fail, Sonam allegedly decided to kill Raja herself, even contemplating pushing him off a cliff if needed.

If this part of the investigation holds true, it highlights the extent of premeditation and desperation involved in the murder.

Motive Behind the Murder: Was Raja Just a Pawn?

One of the emerging theories is that Raja was simply a pawn in a larger conspiracy. Investigators suspect that Sonam might have been planning to elope with a third person, beyond Raj.

This raises the possibility of another hidden player in the case who might have had a stronger motive — possibly inheritance, financial fraud, or illicit relationships. Police are not ruling out the entrance of new characters as they examine fresh leads.

Timeline of Events: Key Dates in the Murder Investigation

• May 11, 2025: Raja and Sonam marry in Indore

• May 20, 2025: Couple departs for honeymoon, traveling to Guwahati and Shillong

• May 23–24: Raja and Sonam reportedly go missing

• June 2, 2025: Raja’s body is found in a gorge in Meghalaya

• June 4–10: Police arrest Sonam, Raj, and three others across Indore and Ghazipur

• June 12, 2025: Conflicting confessions lead SIT to deeper investigation

Public Reaction: Grief, Shock, and Questions

The Indore honeymoon murder case has sent shockwaves across the country. The brutal nature of the crime, combined with betrayal in a newlywed relationship, has captured national attention.

Citizens have taken to social media demanding fast-track justice and calling for psychological profiling of the accused. Several public figures have also spoken out on the need for stronger safeguards in domestic abuse and cyber-crime detection.

What’s Next in the Investigation?

The SIT has made significant progress but acknowledges that key details remain unclear. Investigators are now focusing on:

• Cross-checking alibis of all accused

• Analyzing financial transactions linked to the promised ₹15 lakh payout

• Retrieving deleted messages and cloud data

• Identifying any additional conspirators behind the plot

The final puzzle piece may lie in digital evidence or a confession that breaks the chain of lies.

As the case unfolds, one thing is clear — this was not a crime of passion, but a calculated conspiracy with multiple moving parts. Whether it was Sonam, Raj, or an unknown third party pulling the strings, the murder of Raja Raghuwanshi has become a chilling example of how betrayal, greed, and manipulation can turn a honeymoon into a homicide.

Stay tuned with KKNLive.com for exclusive updates, verified facts, and in-depth analysis on the Indore–Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case as it develops.