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‘Raja was killed in front of Sonam’: Chargesheet filed in Meghalaya honeymoon murder case

Meghalaya Raja Murder Chargesheet: Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi (29) was on his honeymoon with wife Sonam in Meghalaya when he was murdered. Police say he was killed by three hitmen hired as part of a conspiracy hatched by Sonam and Raj Kushwaha, who was in a relationship with her.

Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raja Raghuvanshi, meghalaya honeymoon murder news, indian express

Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raja Raghuvanshi. (Source: File)

Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case Update: In a 790-page chargesheet filed on Saturday, the East Khasi Hills police in Meghalaya alleged that the honeymoon murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi took place in the presence of his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, following a criminal conspiracy hatched by her and Raj Kushwaha, with whom she was in a relationship.

The chargesheet, filed before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sohra Sub-Division Court, details the conspiracy behind and the execution of the murder of 29-year-old Raja.

Five people accused in the case, including Sonam and Raj, were arrested by Meghalaya Police from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on June 8 and June 9, days after Raja’s body had been recovered from a gorge below Wei Sawdong falls in Sohra. This came after widespread search operations were initiated after the couple went “missing” on May 23 while travelling in the area as part of their honeymoon. It was initially treated as a missing persons case, but turned into a murder investigation after Raja’s body was found with two sharp cuts on his head.

According to police, the probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealed that Sonam was in a relationship with Raj, who allegedly conspired with her and hired three assailants to murder Raja. “The murder was executed by Aakash Singh Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan and Aanand Kurmi in the presence of Sonam Raghuvanshi,” the police said in their official note.

Police later arrested three more accused — Lokendra Tomar, Balla Ahirwar and Shilom James — for allegedly destroying evidence. A supplementary chargesheet will be filed once additional forensic reports are received.

The accused have been charged under Sections 103(1), 238(a), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Indian Justice Code, 2023.

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said, “A 790-page chargesheet against the arrested accused, along with substantial material evidence and enclosures, has been filed in court.”

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According to the police, Raja was first struck with a machete, locally called “dao”, by Vishal Singh Chauhan, one of three hitmen hired for the crime. Sonam was allegedly present at the time and fled the scene when her husband began to bleed and scream, returning only after he had died from the multiple blows inflicted upon him. The second machete was discovered in the same gorge where Raja’s body was dumped. A white shirt, believed to belong to Akash Rajput and worn during the murder, was also found in the gorge.

The police said they also have evidence in the form of the recovered murder weapon, bloody clothing, CCTV footage of the couple, and testimonies of multiple people, including a guide who saw the accused together.

The police said they recovered Sonam’s mangalsutra and a toe ring from the hotel where they had left their bags, which they said raised suspicions.

“After conducting a thorough investigation, including collecting and collating all evidences, it is conclusively (proven) that Smti Sonam Raja Raghuvanshi was in a relationship with Shri Raj Kushwaha and a criminal conspiracy was hatched by Raj Kushwaha along with Sonam and the three assailants to murder Raja Raghuvanshi under the pretext of a honeymoon to Sohra,” the Meghalaya Police statement said.

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The legal team for the accused have claimed they have not yet been intimated on the chargesheet being filed. “We are yet to get notice on the chargesheet. We cannot comment on the allegations,” said a senior member of the defence team.

Anand Mohan J

Anand Mohan J is an award-winning Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently leading the bureau’s coverage of Madhya Pradesh. With a career spanning over eight years, he has established himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of law, internal security, and public policy. Based in Bhopal, Anand is widely recognized for his authoritative reporting on Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive, ground-level coverage of the historic surrender of the final Maoist cadres in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the backchannel negotiations and the "vacuum of command" that led to the state being declared Maoist-free. Expertise and Reporting Beats Anand’s investigative work is characterized by a "Journalism of Courage" approach, holding institutions accountable through deep-dive analysis of several key sectors: National Security & Counter-Insurgency: He is a primary chronicler of the decline of Naxalism in the Central Indian corridor, documenting the tactical shifts of security forces and the rehabilitation of surrendered cadres. Judiciary & Legal Accountability: Drawing on over four years of experience covering Delhi’s trial courts and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand deconstructs complex legal rulings. He has exposed critical institutional lapses, including custodial safety violations and the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA). Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a leading reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park. He has provided extensive coverage of the biological and administrative hurdles of rewilding Namibian and South African cheetahs, as well as high-profile cases of wildlife trafficking. Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigative work has uncovered systemic negligence in public services, such as contaminated blood transfusions causing HIV infections in thalassemia patients and the human cost of the fertilizer crisis affecting rural farmers. Professional Background Tenure: Joined The Indian Express in 2017. Locations: Transitioned from the high-pressure Delhi City beat (covering courts, police, and labor issues) to his current role as a regional lead in Madhya Pradesh. Notable Investigations: * Exposed the "digital arrest" scams targeting entrepreneurs. Investigated the Bandhavgarh elephant deaths and the impact of kodo millet fungus on local wildlife. Documented the transition of power and welfare schemes (like Ladli Behna) in Madhya Pradesh governance. Digital & Professional Presence Author Profile: Anand Mohan J at Indian Express Twitter handle: @mohanreports ... Read More

Sukrita Baruah

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More

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