Morning / Noon – Check out of homestay near Nongriat, Cherrapunji
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Raja (29) and Sonam (25) Raghuvanshi had arrived May 22 for their honeymoon and checked out the next morning, heading toward Mawlakhiat via trekking steps. This was the last known sighting of them together.
~1:43 PM – Last phone call
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Sonam reportedly called her mother just before both their phones went silent—indicating they were together when communication ceased .
Afternoon – Scooter abandoned
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Their rented scooter was found dumped near a roadside café on Shillong–Sohra road on May 24, suggesting foul play.
May 30 – Local guide sighting
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A Khasi guide spotted the couple on May 22 with three unknown men during a trek, later reporting this key detail to authorities.
June 2 – Raja’s body found
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Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge under Wei Sawdong Falls, with fatal head and throat injuries caused by a sharp weapon, likely a machete. His gold chain, ring, and valuables were missing.
June 9 – Sonam surrenders
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Sonam turned herself in at a restaurant in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, after a week on the run—possibly coordinating with her brother over the phone.
Who’s Accused & How
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Sonam Raghuvanshi: Alleged mastermind—accused of hiring three or four men (including her lover, Raj Kushwaha) to murder Raja during the hike .
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Raj Kushwaha (21): Sonam’s lover and alleged accomplice; present with Sonam at the funeral and later arrested .
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Three friends: Identified as Anand Kurmi, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan; allegedly involved in executing the murder.
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Possibly a fourth suspect remains at large.
Authorities formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Meghalaya Police to probe the conspiracy.
Evidence & Motive
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Head injury confirmed as cause of death by a sharp weapon.
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Valuables missing at the scene (gold chain, ring, etc.), signalling possible theft as a cover-up or part of the plan.
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Digital trail: Sonam’s phones and SIMs (purchased in Indore using false IDs) were switched off post-crime; briefly activated near Ghazipur, allowing police to trace her.
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Mangalsutra clue: Found at the scene, this wedding necklace tied Sonam directly to the crime.
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Elopement plot: Sonam reportedly bought a flat in Indore during the crime and may have planned to elope with another person after killing Raja.
Family Reactions & Next Steps
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Sonam’s elder brother Govind has broken ties, stating he’s “100% sure” she is guilty.
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Raja’s family is demanding strong punishment, including calls for the death penalty; his brother’s stance strengthens with every revelation.
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Sonam’s father has pushed for a CBI probe and contends she was kidnapped—though the police say this lacks merit.
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Ongoing custody remand of all suspects, with reconstruction of the crime scene anticipated soon.
What’s Next?
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Scene reconstruction in Meghalaya to establish the sequence of events.
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Forensic tests on the murder weapon, raincoat, and recovered phones.
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Interrogations and legal filings, including potential charges of conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, and destruction of evidence.
This grisly case has already shocked the nation—two weeks into the honeymoon, lost lives, betrayed trusts, and a meticulously planned crime. As evidence solidifies and legal processes unfold, the next few weeks will be crucial to the investigation.
