The Chilling Honeymoon Murder Case of Raja Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya, India (June 2025)
This case study examines the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old businessman from Indore, whose body was recovered from a gorge below Wei Sawdong Falls in Meghalaya, India, in early June 2025. The investigation utilized drone searches, trace evidence analysis, digital forensics, and autopsy reports to identify the accused, showcasing the power of multidisciplinary forensic science in resolving a planned murder conspiracy.
Introduction
On 2 June 2025, the decomposed body of Raja Raghuvanshi was found in a gorge under Wei Sawdong Falls in Meghalaya. His honeymoon with his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, began on 20 May 2025, following their marriage on 11 May. Initially a missing persons case, the investigation revealed a chilling conspiracy involving Sonam, her lover Raj Kushwaha, and three hired killers: Vishal Chauhan (alias Vicky), Anand Kurmi, and Akash Rajput.
According to police, Sonam lured Raja down a wooded path where the killers ambushed him, killed him, and threw his body into the gorge to stage an accidental death. Raj Kushwaha, based in Indore, coordinated the murder and paid the killers. Phone data and train tickets traced the suspects’ movements from Indore to Guwahati to Sohra.
Approximate Timeline of Events
- 11 May 2025: Raja and Sonam marry in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
- 20 May 2025: The couple travels to Meghalaya for their honeymoon.
- 23 May 2025 (approx. 13:45 IST): Last known sighting of the couple checking out of their Nongriat accommodation. Communication ceases. A hired scooter is found dumped on 24 May.
- 2 June 2025: Raja’s body is identified via an NDRF drone in a 500-foot gorge, showing severe cranial injury.
- 7 June 2025: Meghalaya police launch ‘Operation Honeymoon’ and identify suspects.
- 9 June 2025: Sonam is apprehended in Uttar Pradesh.
- 10 June 2025: Five arrests are confirmed; charges include murder and conspiracy under IPC sections.
Forensic Methodology and Evidence Recovery
Recovery of Evidence from the Crime Scene
The NDRF used drones to search the inaccessible gorge. Despite decomposition, Raja’s body retained identifiable injuries.
Postmortem Examination
The postmortem in Shillong revealed:
- Two cranial injuries from sharp force trauma.
- No defensive wounds, indicating a surprise attack.
- Death likely occurred between 3–6 hours after last contact.
Trace and Circumstantial Evidence
Recovered evidence included:
- A blood-stained raincoat worn by Sonam.
- Mobile phone parts near the body.
- A machete with human blood matching Raja’s profile.
Digital Forensics
Digital evidence included:
- CCTV footage showing Sonam communicating with the killers 10 kilometers from the crime scene.
- Phone records tracking suspects’ movements from Indore to Meghalaya via encrypted messaging.
- Location data from mobile towers and vehicles corroborating the accused’s statements.
Legal and Investigative Consequences
Accused Persons
- Sonam Raghuvanshi: Wife, primary conspirator.
- Raj Kushwaha: Lover, financier.
- Vishal Chauhan (Vicky): Primary executor.
- Anand Kurmi, Akash Rajput: Co-conspirators/hitmen.
Sections of the IPC Invoked
- Section 302: Murder.
- Section 120B: Criminal conspiracy.
- Section 201: Destruction of evidence.
Judicial Status
As of 10 June 2025:
- All five accused are in judicial custody.
- Sonam and Raj remanded for 3 and 7 days, respectively.
- Transit custody approved to transfer suspects to Shillong.
- The case is fast-tracked for trial.
Public Reactions and Aftermath
The case drew significant media coverage and public outrage, with citizens expressing horror at the planned honeymoon murder. Raja’s family, feeling “betrayed beyond belief,” demanded maximum punishment. Meghalaya’s Chief Minister and police commended the swift investigation.
Conclusion
The Raja Raghuvanshi murder case highlights the integration of traditional forensics, digital tracking, and aerial surveillance. Collaboration across states and meticulous evidence preservation resolved the case within ten days. Forensic documentation and the autopsy were pivotal in securing legal charges.
References
- Times of India. (June 10, 2025). “Honeymoon horror: MP bride, lover got her husband killed in Meghalaya.”
- Economic Times. (June 5, 2025). “Inside the path taken by Sonam leading to Meghalaya murder.”
- Hindustan Times. (June 10, 2025). “Meghalaya SIT reveals planned murder of husband by wife, lover, and 3 hired hitmen.”
- Dainik Bhaskar. (June 17, 2025). “Drone Camera led police to body; drone case cracked in 48 hours.”
- Shillong Times. (June 8, 2025). “NDRF drone locates body of missing tourist from Cherrapunjee gorge.”
- Meghalaya Police SIT Report (unpublished, referenced in press conferences).
