How investigators pieced together honeymoon murder in Shillong

Shillong: In a sensational case that has stunned the country, Meghalaya Police confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, wife of Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, conspired with contract killers to murder her husband during their honeymoon.

Raja’s body was recovered from a gorge in the Cherrapunji area on June 2, nearly ten days after the couple went missing in Meghalaya.

Sonam, who had been missing since May 23, was arrested in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Three accomplices, allegedly the contract killers, were detained from Indore and surrounding regions during a joint operation by Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh police.

Police say it was a pre-planned murder motivated by an affair

According to Deputy Inspector General of Meghalaya Police, Davis Marak, preliminary investigations reveal that the murder was a "cold-blooded" and well-planned act. Authorities believe that the honeymoon trip was orchestrated with the intention of killing Raja. The prime motive, officials say, appears to be Sonam’s extramarital affair.

CCTV footage and shirt clue helped investigators

A key break in the case came from CCTV footage from May 22, where Sonam and Raja were seen behaving normally. The footage showed Sonam wearing a white shirt, which was later found next to Raja’s body in the gorge. This helped tie her presence to the crime scene.

Additionally, investigators say that eyewitness accounts and the rented scooter’s location provided vital leads. Raja and Sonam were last seen with three unidentified men — now believed to be the contract killers. The police confirmed that the scooter was left at a cafe to divert suspicion.

Police confirm arrests, more suspects being pursued

Meghalaya Director General of Police, I Nonrong, confirmed that three accused were detained from Indore and its surrounding areas late on Sunday night with assistance from the Indore police. One suspect was arrested in Uttar Pradesh. A fifth accused is still at large, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend all those involved.

Indore Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh stated that they were providing full support to Meghalaya police in the operation.

The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi has raised public concerns about premeditated spousal crimes and the increasing use of contract killers in domestic disputes. Police believe the motive stems from a personal relationship outside of marriage and that Sonam’s intent was to permanently eliminate Raja under the guise of a romantic holiday.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are expected to file a formal charge sheet once the final accused is apprehended.