In a disturbing twist to the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, police have revealed that Sonam Raghuvanshi paid ₹20 lakh to contract killers after orchestrating the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi. The killing reportedly took place on May 23, just two days after the couple was reported missing during their trip to Sohra in East Khasi Hills.
According to a Meghalaya Police officer, Sonam initially gave ₹15,000 in cash to the assailants, money she allegedly took from Raja’s wallet at the time of the murder. After the killing, she allegedly paid a total of ₹20 lakh to the perpetrators.
Arrests and Conspiracy Unfold
Sonam surrendered on Tuesday to authorities in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and was immediately taken into custody by Meghalaya Police. She was later transported to Shillong via Patna, Kolkata, and Guwahati. Her surrender followed the arrest of her alleged boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, and three suspected contract killers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
“She did not speak much during most of the journey,” a Meghalaya police officer said, referring to her transfer route.
The case took a grim turn earlier this week when it was discovered that Sonam and Raj Kushwaha allegedly plotted the murder. The couple had married on May 11 and traveled to Meghalaya on May 21. Two days later, they were reported missing. Raja’s body was discovered on June 2 in a gorge near a waterfall.
FIR Details and Investigation Insights
Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, confirmed that the FIR stated Raja was killed with a dao (machete) and that his valuables were stolen.
“The FIR clearly mentions that Raja was murdered with a dao (machete) and his valuables were taken. Sonam’s involvement in paying the killers and offering a large sum afterwards strongly points to a conspiracy. We are analysing all evidence to ensure a thorough investigation,” he said.
Police from Indore, assisting Meghalaya authorities, noted that Raj Kushwaha claimed he withdrew from the plot at the last moment and advised the others to cancel as well. However, the three men proceeded after Sonam booked their tickets.
“Raj Kushwaha claims he didn’t want to support Sonam and at the last moment cancelled his plan to go to Meghalaya. He also allegedly asked the three others not to go, but they went to see Meghalaya after Sonam booked the tickets. Even at the last moment, the three refused to kill, but Sonam insisted and said she would give ₹15 lakh for that. Police are verifying these claims,” the officer said.
Killers Explain Execution of Murder Plot
Investigators say the murder was carried out exactly as Sonam allegedly instructed. According to police, she posed as a weary tourist and directed the assailants behind Raja as they approached a secluded location.
“She reportedly instructed them to act once they reached the isolated spot,” an officer stated.
Authorities plan to take Sonam and the suspects back to the crime scene to recreate the sequence of events. “We need corroboration of the sequence from her and the killers,” the officer added. Police also intend to confront Sonam, Kushwaha, and the suspects with the evidence.
Killers Posed as Tourists
Investigators revealed that the contract killers posed as fellow tourists and befriended the couple. While Raj Kushwaha did not travel to Meghalaya, he reportedly stayed in constant phone contact with Sonam during the entire trip, according to statements he provided.
Police maintain that the entire plan was hatched by Sonam and Kushwaha in Indore and was executed with brutal precision during what was supposed to be the couple’s honeymoon.
