Same Murder, Different Routes: How Sonam and Her Accomplices Escaped After Meghalaya Killing.
What first appeared to be a missing persons case turned into a chilling murder mystery when Sonam Raghuvanshi, presumed kidnapped or dead, was revealed as the alleged mastermind behind her husband’s murder during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.
The Murder
Sonam Raghuvanshi, 24, married Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on May 11. Less than two weeks later, the couple traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon, arriving in Shillong on May 22. The next day, they went trekking in the scenic Mawlakhiat region of Sohra (Cherrapunji) to visit the Wei Sawdong waterfall.
Unbeknownst to Raja, Sonam was allegedly in a relationship with Raj Kushwaha, 21, an employee of her family business. Police say she conspired with Kushwaha to eliminate her husband, promising Rs 20 lakh to three of his friends to carry out the murder.
When the couple reached a secluded area near the waterfall, Sonam allegedly signaled the assailants to strike. Raja was killed, and Sonam reportedly assisted in disposing of his body by pushing it into a gorge.
The Escape
After the murder, Sonam took a taxi from Mawlakhiat to Shillong and then traveled to Guwahati in a tourist cab. From there, she boarded a train—claiming she returned to Indore, although police are still verifying this with other suspects.
Meanwhile, the three killers traveled separately from Sohra to Guwahati by taxi and then took a train to Indore. Meghalaya Police say their synchronized but separate escape routes indicate premeditated planning.
The Investigation
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that police arrested Sonam within a week of discovering Raja’s body on June 2. While her phone hasn’t been recovered, investigators confirmed she was in contact with Kushwaha on the day of the murder. He, in turn, was coordinating with the hired killers.
The SIT is still probing whether Sonam had prior knowledge of Meghalaya’s geography or selected the murder spot based on online searches for isolated locations. Mr. Syiem noted, “She claims she had never been to Shillong before. It may have been a spontaneous opportunity.”
What’s Next
Sonam is expected to arrive in Shillong late Tuesday night, with Kushwaha and the other three accused arriving the next morning. Police will produce them in court and seek custody for further investigation. A reconstruction of the crime scene is also being planned.
Describing the crime location, SP Syiem said, “They met at a scenic spot and walked up together. Their scooters were left below. The assailants claim Sonam led them to Wei Sawdong, where the murder occurred.””
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