On what should have been the happiest trip of their lives, a newlywed couple’s honeymoon in the scenic hills of Meghalaya turned into a gruesome crime scene. On May 23, 2025, Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife, Sonam, went missing while exploring the tourist trail between Nongriat and Mawlakhiat, a location known for its breathtaking views and serene landscapes. Just over a week later, on June 2, Raja’s body was discovered at the bottom of a gorge. What initially seemed like a tragic accident or an unfortunate case of missing tourists soon unraveled into one of the most chilling murder cases in recent times—one allegedly orchestrated by the victim’s own wife.
A Honeymoon Disguising a Sinister Plot
The couple hailed from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and had arrived in Meghalaya as part of their honeymoon itinerary. They were last seen alive in Sohra (Cherrapunji), a popular hill station. As per local sources, the couple had checked into a homestay on May 22 and explored the region without a local guide the next day—despite being advised to do so due to the area's dense forests and challenging trails.
The real twist in the case came not from high-tech forensics or police surveillance but from a local tour guide who remembered something odd.
The Guide Who Remembered
Albert Pde, a tour guide from Mawlakhiat, gave a crucial clue to investigators. He recounted seeing Raja and Sonam trekking with three unknown men on May 23, the day they disappeared. What struck him as unusual was that the woman—Sonam—was walking behind the group while the four men, including her husband, were engaged in a conversation in Hindi.
“The woman was walking a little behind. The four men were talking among themselves in Hindi. I couldn’t understand much since I speak only Khasi and English,” Albert said in a statement to the press.
Albert also noted that the couple had declined his offer to guide them on May 22, instead opting for a different guide named Bha Wansai. The next morning, they returned without a guide and began the trek to Nongriat alone—or so it seemed.
Soon after, their rented scooter was found abandoned several kilometers away, at Sohrarim, with the keys still in the ignition.
The Truth Comes to Light
What initially looked like a disappearance due to accident or misadventure soon turned into a murder investigation. Police grew suspicious after tracing Sonam’s movements post-disappearance. On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge, and signs of foul play were evident. The case accelerated when Sonam suddenly surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur.
The arrest of Sonam led to more explosive revelations. According to Meghalaya Police, Sonam allegedly hired three men to kill her husband. The men—two arrested from Indore and one from Uttar Pradesh—confessed that they had been recruited by Sonam for the task.
Meghalaya Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed the arrests and the breakthrough. “The arrested accused have named other individuals. They revealed that the victim's wife had hired them,” he told the media.
A Chilling Crime of Betrayal
Perhaps the most disturbing part of this case is the motive and premeditation involved. Sonam not only planned her husband’s murder but is alleged to have orchestrated the entire act during their honeymoon, a time meant to celebrate love and commitment. The trust implicit in the sacred bond of marriage was twisted into a cover for betrayal and bloodshed.
This case is a grim reminder of how appearances can be deceiving, and how even the most intimate relationships can hide dark secrets.
A Nation Watches as Justice Unfolds
The brutal nature of the crime and the sheer betrayal involved has sparked widespread outrage. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma praised the police force for their swift action, stating: “Within 7 days, a breakthrough has been achieved by the Meghalaya Police in the Raja murder case. Three assailants who are from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, a female has surrendered, and operations are still on to catch one more assailant. Well done, Meghalaya Police.”
As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to unearthing the motive behind Sonam’s alleged actions. Was it an extramarital affair? Was it financial gain? Or was there a deeper, more psychological reason?
Answers will likely emerge as the interrogation progresses, but the damage has already been done. A man’s life has been cut short in the most brutal way. A family in Indore is left grieving. And once again, the safety of tourists in remote areas comes into question.
The Road Ahead: Questions That Demand Answers
This incident also brings to light broader issues that need addressing:
Tourist safety in remote areas: Should couples and individuals be mandated to register with local tourism departments when traveling to isolated locations?
Homestay monitoring and guest verification: Are enough checks being done in remote accommodations to verify guests and their plans?
Mental health and relationship counselling: Could early intervention in troubled marriages prevent such tragic outcomes?
Final Thoughts
The tragic murder of Raja Raghuvanshi is more than just a headline—it’s a brutal story of love turned lethal. It is a chilling example of how planned violence can hide behind the mask of affection and normalcy. As more facts emerge, one thing remains certain: justice must be swift, and the lessons from this case must be absorbed by our society, legal systems, and travel industry.
May Raja’s soul rest in peace. And may his story serve as a wake-up call that even the most serene landscapes can hold the darkest secrets.
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