KKN Gurugram Desk | What began as a dream honeymoon for a newlywed couple from Indore has now turned into one of the most shocking murder cases of the year. 28 days after her wedding, and just days into her honeymoon, a woman named Sonam has been accused of killing her husband Raja Raghuwanshi in Shillong and going into hiding — only to reappear 17 days later in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur.
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Authorities suspect that the murder was pre-planned and connected to an extramarital affair Sonam allegedly had before and after her marriage.
Timeline of Events: From Wedding to Murder
May 11:
Sonam and Raja were married in Indore following traditional Hindu rituals. The families celebrated, and the couple received blessings from loved ones.
May 20:
The newlyweds left for their honeymoon to Shillong, Meghalaya.
May 22:
The couple checked into a homestay in Nongriat village. They were last seen together around 6:00 AM on May 23, when they checked out. Post this, both their phones were switched off, triggering concern.
May 24:
A scooter was found abandoned in Osara Hills parking, about 25 km from Mawklyat. It was traced back to the couple. Their luggage was discovered in nearby forested areas.
June 2:
Raja’s body was recovered near the Wei Sawdong waterfall from a deep gorge. His identity was confirmed via a tattoo on his hand.
Sonam’s Reappearance: 17 Days Later
In the early hours of June 9 (between 3 and 4 AM), Sonam appeared at a roadside dhaba in Nandganj area of Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She borrowed the phone of the shopkeeper and made a video call to her brother, stating she was safe and in Ghazipur.
Her brother immediately alerted Indore Police, who coordinated with Ghazipur authorities. Sonam was taken into custody and sent to a one-stop center for medical examination, where no physical injuries or signs of assault were found.
Police Suspect Affair and Conspiracy to Murder
Initial investigation suggests that Sonam had a romantic relationship with another man, which may have continued even after her marriage. This relationship is suspected to be the motive behind the murder of Raja.
According to police sources:
Sonam allegedly lured Raja to Shillong under the guise of a honeymoon.
There, with the help of accomplices, Raja was murdered and pushed into a gorge.
A total of four individuals were involved — three have been arrested from Indore, while one, from Uttar Pradesh, remains at large.
The Meghalaya DGP L. Nongrang confirmed that Sonam and three others have been arrested in connection with the murder.
Key Evidence: CCTV Footage and Final Phone Call
On May 22, CCTV footage outside a hotel in Shillong showed Sonam and Raja arriving on a scooter, dropping off their bags — the same vehicle later found abandoned.
More revealing is a phone call dated May 23, around 1:30 PM, where Sonam spoke to Raja’s mother, Uma Devi, for the last time. In the call, Sonam said:
“Maa, he’s taking me deep into the forest to show waterfalls. It’s a bit much for me…”
Within half an hour of this call, both phones were unreachable.
Police also retrieved audio clips from earlier days where Sonam is heard speaking innocently about fasting, meals, and breathlessness — now seen as potential emotional manipulation in retrospect.
Cracks in the Story: Pre-Planned Crime or Sudden Twist?
Police are focusing on whether Sonam:
Planned the murder with full knowledge and coordination, or
Was coerced or manipulated by external parties involved.
So far, the evidence suggests intent and planning, as per both the Meghalaya and Indore police departments.
Authorities are also investigating financial transactions, call records, and travel bookings to trace further links to the alleged conspirators.
Mother’s Reaction: “A Mixed Pain”
Sonam’s mother, Sangeeta, gave a brief interview to a news agency where she expressed mixed emotions. She said:
“We’re thankful she’s alive… but the grief remains. We want the truth to come out. We will now have to face the consequences of whatever is uncovered.”
Her statement reflects the emotional toll on both families involved in this tragic turn of events.
Who Are the Other Accused?
While police have not publicly released all names, sources confirm:
Three individuals were arrested in Indore, suspected of direct involvement.
One suspect from Uttar Pradesh is still on the run.
Sonam is being treated as the prime accused, suspected to have orchestrated the entire sequence.
A joint investigation by Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh police is now underway. A special team is being sent to Ghazipur to interrogate Sonam and collect further evidence.
Forensic and Digital Evidence Gathering Underway
Both state police teams are now working on:
Retrieving deleted messages and emails
Accessing hotel and homestay check-in records
Mapping locations using GPS and mobile tower pings
Verifying CCTV footage from multiple days before and after the crime
A digital forensic team from Bhopal has also joined the probe to extract crucial data from devices recovered from the crime scene.
Case Summary at a Glance
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2025 | Sonam and Raja got married in Indore |
| May 20, 2025 | Couple left for honeymoon to Shillong |
| May 23, 2025 | Last communication from Sonam; phones switched off |
| June 2, 2025 | Raja’s body found in gorge near Wei Sawdong waterfall |
| June 9, 2025 | Sonam found in Ghazipur; surrendered and arrested |
Legal Outlook: What Charges Could Sonam Face?
Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sonam and her alleged accomplices may face:
Section 302 (Murder)
Section 120B (Criminal Conspiracy)
Section 201 (Causing disappearance of evidence)
Section 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention)
If found guilty, punishment could include life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the court’s judgment.
Public Reaction and Media Attention
The case has attracted nationwide media attention, with many expressing outrage over the betrayal and alleged premeditated crime. Social media platforms have seen hashtags like #SonamCase, #IndoreMurder, and #ShillongMystery trending.
Public sentiment is currently skewed heavily against Sonam, although many voices are also calling for a fair and unbiased trial.
The case of Raja Raghuwanshi and Sonam is a harrowing reminder of how quickly relationships can unravel into tragedy. From a dream wedding to a murder on honeymoon, this case underscores the importance of transparency, trust, and thorough investigation.
As police continue their inquiry, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the crime, and ensuring justice for the victim and his family.
Stay tuned with KKN Live for all latest updates on the Shillong honeymoon murder case.
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