Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Sonam’s Forgotten Mangalsutra at Homestay Becomes Crucial Clue for Cops

Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Mangalsutra Left at Homestay Helped Police Crack the Case.

The shocking murder of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi during a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya was unraveled after police found a mangalsutra and a ring in a suitcase left behind at a Sohra homestay by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi. This discovery became the first vital clue in what turned out to be a meticulously planned contract killing, allegedly orchestrated by Sonam and her boyfriend.

Raja and Sonam, who were married in Indore on May 11, arrived in Meghalaya via Guwahati on May 20. The couple went missing on May 23 in Sohra, East Khasi Hills, just hours after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village.

Raja’s body was discovered on June 2 in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls. Meanwhile, Sonam remained untraceable until she surrendered on June 9 in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh—nearly 1,200 km away. Her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, and three hired killers were also arrested.

According to Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang, police got their first break in the case when they recovered the mangalsutra and a ring from the couple’s luggage at the Sohra homestay. “A married woman leaving behind her wedding ornaments raised suspicions and made her a key suspect,” said Nongrang.

An officer involved in the investigation revealed that the couple had arrived at the Sohra homestay on May 22 without a booking and, unable to find a room, left their luggage there before trekking to Nongriat village—home of the famous double-decker root bridge.

They stayed overnight in Nongriat and checked out early on May 23. Upon returning to Sohra, they retrieved their scooter and rode to Weisawdong Falls, where Raja was allegedly murdered in front of Sonam by the contract killers.

A tour guide later informed police he had seen the couple with three Hindi-speaking men during their return trek from Nongriat, further aiding the probe.

“All five accused have confessed to their roles in the crime. With the evidence we’ve gathered, there is no room for denial,” said an investigating officer.

A Shillong court has remanded Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, and the three contract killers to eight-day police custody. Investigations into the motive and planning behind the murder are ongoing.