Investigators suspect a deeper conspiracy in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder, as financial transactions link another family member to the chilling plot.
BY PC Bureau
In a chilling update to the high-profile murder case in Meghalaya, police have revealed new details about the conspiracy to kill Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha. The investigation has taken a crucial turn with Sonam’s cousin, Jitendra Raghuvanshi, now under scrutiny for his potential role in the crime that has gripped the nation.
Police confirmed that Jitendra’s UPI account was used to transfer the first installment of payment to three hitmen—Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi—hired to carry out the murder on May 23, 2025, the day Raja was killed. While it remains unclear whether Jitendra facilitated the payment before or after the crime, investigators are probing whether he was aware of the payment’s purpose. Jitendra, who oversees expenses in the family’s furniture sheet business primarily managed by Sonam, is now a key figure in the investigation.
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Sources indicate that Sonam offered the hitmen Rs 20 lakh for the killing, though official confirmation is pending. Five individuals have been arrested so far: Sonam, her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha, and the three hitmen. Raj, an accountant in the family business, was allegedly in a romantic relationship with Sonam, and the two reportedly planned to marry.
Govind brother of Sonam Raghuvanshi:
Based on all the evidence so far, I’m 100% sure Sonam committed the murder. All accused are connected to Raj Kushwaha. We’ve cut all ties with Sonam. I sincerely apologise to Raja’s family.”pic.twitter.com/xrqmRGCrwL— Prashant (@prashant10gaur) June 11, 2025
The sequence of events began when Sonam, 24, and Raja, 29, married on May 11, 2025, in Indore, despite Sonam’s ongoing relationship with Raj. The couple traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon, but on May 23, they vanished after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Raja’s body was discovered on June 2, approximately 20 km from the homestay. Sonam, initially reported missing, reappeared in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 8 and surrendered at Nandganj police station. Hours earlier, the three hitmen were arrested in Uttar Pradesh and the Madhya Pradesh towns of Indore and Sagar. Raj Kushwaha was apprehended shortly after.
Police disclosed that Vishal Singh Chauhan initiated the attack on Raja with a machete. Sonam reportedly confessed to her role in the murder on June 11, admitting to orchestrating the plot. Her brother, Govind, publicly disowned her, expressing solidarity with Raja’s family and demanding the death penalty for Sonam if she is found guilty.
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The latest development, as of June 12, 2025, centers on Jitendra’s potential involvement, with police intensifying efforts to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy. The case continues to shock the nation, with calls for justice growing louder as more details emerge.
