In a chilling development in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, police sources have revealed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, who allegedly conspired to kill her newlywed husband during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, hid in a rented flat in Indore after the crime. The case, which initially began as a search for a “missing couple,” has now unfolded into a brutal tale of betrayal and planned murder.
Sonam, 24, had been reported missing after her husband Raja, 29, was found dead in a deep gorge in Meghalaya. The couple had checked out of a homestay in Nongriat village on May 23, and Raja’s body was discovered nearly 20 km away on June 2.
Rented Flat in Indore Linked to Hitman Who First Attacked Raja
The rented accommodation where Sonam took refuge was leased on May 30—seven days after the murder—by Vishal Singh Chauhan, one of the three hitmen involved in the killing. Chauhan, who was the first to attack Raja with a machete, claimed to be an interior designer when he underwent police verification for renting the flat, located just five kilometres from his residence in Indore.
A police source disclosed, “It was this flat where Sonam hid in after the murder. An advance of Rs 16,000 was also given to the landlord.”
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The other two accomplices have been identified as Akash Rajput and Anand Kurmi. The conspiracy was allegedly orchestrated by Raj Kushwaha, Sonam’s lover and an accountant at her family’s business. Police say Raj ordered groceries worth Rs 5,000 online for Sonam during her time in hiding.
The murder has stunned the nation not only for its brutality but also due to the timeline and emotional betrayal. Raja and Sonam had been married on May 11, despite Sonam’s ongoing relationship with Raj. The two families, both from Indore, believed the couple had left for a normal honeymoon.
Arrests and Confession Followed Days Later
The search for the missing couple intensified until Sonam was found in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 8, where she surrendered at Nandganj police station. This came just hours after the arrests of Vishal, Akash, and Anand from various towns in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Raj was arrested shortly afterward.
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During interrogation, Sonam reportedly confessed to the murder. Authorities also confirmed that her cousin, Jitendra Raghuvanshi, had paid the first installment to the hired killers.
In a statement that underscores the emotional fallout from the crime, Sonam’s brother Govind Raghuvanshi declared that the family has severed all ties with her. “We stand with Raja’s family and will support them in their fight for justice,” he said.
The investigation into this honeymoon murder case continues as the authorities build their case against all accused.
