In what is being described as one of the most chilling spousal murder cases in recent history, police have cracked the mystery behind the death of Indore resident Raja Raghuvanshi, who died during his honeymoon in Meghalaya. Authorities allege that the murder was premeditated, coordinated by his wife Sonam and her lover, who operated under a fake identity—“Sanjay Verma.”
A Marriage Doomed from the Start
The couple was married on May 11, 2025. Less than two weeks later, they were in the hills of Meghalaya for a honeymoon. By May 24, Raja was missing. His body was recovered on June 2 in a gorge near Wei-Sawdong Falls.
Initial suspicions pointed to a trekking accident, but investigators soon realized the truth was far more sinister.
Uncovering a Fake Identity
Phone records proved crucial. Sonam had exchanged numerous calls with someone listed as “Sanjay Verma.” The tone and timing of these calls raised suspicions. Further checks revealed that this was not a real identity—“Sanjay” was actually Raj Kushwaha, a young man from Sonam’s past.
Police uncovered that the two had maintained a romantic relationship before and after Sonam’s marriage. Raj, unwilling to let go, orchestrated a plan to eliminate her husband, allegedly with Sonam’s full participation.
The Murder Unfolds
On May 23, during a guided trek, Raja and Sonam were joined by three men posing as tourists. These men, later identified as hired killers, struck Raja with a blunt weapon and pushed him off the cliff.
Raja’s belongings, left untouched at the homestay, supported the theory that robbery wasn’t a motive. A dao with traces of blood and skin was found near the site. CCTV footage from earlier that week confirmed Sonam’s presence, and the same shirt she was wearing in that footage was later found near Raja’s body.
The Arrest and Charges
Sonam was arrested on June 9 in Uttar Pradesh. She initially denied any involvement, but police say she later confessed during interrogation. Her confession matched the accounts of the other four accused—Raj and the three alleged hitmen—who were also arrested in Madhya Pradesh.
The group now faces charges of murder, conspiracy, and criminal intimidation under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The Bigger Picture
This case has sparked a nationwide debate on trust, arranged marriages, and how quickly personal relationships can turn fatal when secrecy and manipulation are involved.
As the trial nears, India watches closely. What was once a storybook honeymoon is now a national cautionary tale about betrayal, deception, and the dark side of love.
