Meghalaya tourist murder: Missing wife held in UP, reveals honeymoon killing was ‘planned’

Meghalaya: In a shocking turn in the Meghalaya tourist murder case, Sonam Raghuvanshi, the missing wife of murdered Raja Raghuvanshi, has been traced and detained in Ghazipur.

Raja Raghuvanshi, 29-year-old tourist from Indore, was allegedly murdered in Meghalaya by men hired by his wife, according to state police chief I Nongrang.

The case, which sparked nationwide attention, has taken a grim turn with the arrest of four individuals, including the wife, Sonam.

Sonam surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur district and was arrested soon after, Nongrang said during a media briefing on Monday morning.

Three men arrested in overnight operations

According to the Meghalaya Police, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested three male suspects during overnight raids—one from Uttar Pradesh and two others from Indore. These men have reportedly confessed to carrying out the murder on the wife’s orders.

“The operation is still continuing in Madhya Pradesh to catch some more persons involved in the crime,” Nongrang added.

Chief Minister praises swift action

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to social media to commend the police. “Within 7 days a major breakthrough has been achieved by the #meghalayapolice in the Raja murder case... 3 assailants who are from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, female has surrendered and operation still on to catch 1 more assailant… well done,” he posted on X.

Background: A honeymoon turned horror

Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, newlyweds from Indore, arrived in Meghalaya on May 20. They visited Nongriat in the East Khasi Hills as part of their honeymoon. They were last seen together on May 23 after leaving a homestay. On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge near Sohra, with signs of assault by a sharp weapon.

Sonam remained missing until she contacted her family on June 9, leading to her detention and arrest.

Investigation ongoing

Police continue to investigate the wider conspiracy and seek at least one more person believed to be connected to the murder. Forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and phone data are being analysed to uncover the full sequence of events leading to Raja's death.

More updates are expected as the case unfolds.