Daijiworld Media Network - Shillong
Shillong, Jun 9: In a shocking twist to the case of missing tourist Raja Raghuvanshi, Meghalaya’s Director General of Police, I Nongrang, on Monday revealed that Raghuvanshi was allegedly killed during his honeymoon by contract killers hired by his wife, Sonam.
Sonam, 24, surrendered at Uttar Pradesh’s Nandganj police station in Ghazipur district. Three men allegedly involved in the murder were arrested in overnight raids: two from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and one from Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. Another suspect was arrested on Monday from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed the arrests. “The first arrest was Akash Rajput, 19, from Lalitpur. Then Vishal Singh Chauhan, 22, and Raj Singh Khushwaha, 21, both from Indore, were taken into custody,” he said. “Later today, we also arrested Anand Kurmi, 23, from Sagar district,” Syiem added.
The horrifying crime unfolded after the newlyweds left Indore for Meghalaya on May 20. On May 23, while trekking in the scenic Sohra area, they vanished. Raghuvanshi’s body was discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls, stripped of valuables like a gold ring and chain — a clear sign of foul play.
According to Meghalaya police, Sonam hired the men to kill her husband. The men allegedly lured the couple into the gorge under the pretext of a trek and killed Raghuvanshi, before leaving Sonam behind.
Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, has accused the Meghalaya police of negligence and demanded a CBI inquiry. “My daughter was abducted and is still under threat,” he told reporters. “I had been asking for Army deployment since they went missing. If that had been done, they could have been found alive.”
Police found additional evidence near the crime scene: a bloodstained machete, and later, a raincoat resembling one owned by the couple.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma praised the state police for cracking the case swiftly. “A major breakthrough has been achieved by the Meghalaya police within seven days,” he posted on social media.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also weighed in, requesting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI probe into the case.
The tragic case highlights the complexities of cross-state investigations. Meghalaya police emphasized that the arrests were made possible through coordinated efforts of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, and cooperation from law enforcement agencies across multiple states.
“Sonam is in Uttar Pradesh police custody, and legal formalities are underway for her transfer,” a Meghalaya police statement said.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, but for now, the case stands as a chilling reminder of betrayal and the vulnerabilities tourists face, even on their honeymoon.