Digital News Guru Meghalaya Desk:
790-Page Chargesheet Filed in Chilling “Honeymoon Murder” Case of Raja Raghuvanshi
A significant legal milestone has been reached in one of the most disturbing recent criminal cases: the Meghalaya Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted a 790-page chargesheet in the high-profile murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, whose killing during a honeymoon turned the nation’s attention to the serene slopes of Meghalaya.
Meghalaya Police Names Wife, Lover and Hitmen in 790-Page Chargesheet
The chargesheet, filed before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sohra Sub-Division Court, Shillong, names five individuals as key accused in what authorities describe as a “honeymoon murder”:
- Sonam Raghuvanshi (the victim’s wife, deemed the primary accused)
- Raj Kushwaha (her alleged lover)
- Three hired assailants: Akash Singh Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi
They are charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
- 103(1) – pertaining to murder
- 238(a) – relating to destruction of evidence
- 61(2) – criminal conspiracy
A supplementary chargesheet will follow once further forensic evidence is processed, notably including three additional suspects involved in destroying evidence—Lokendra Tomar, Balla Ahirwar, and Shilom James.
‘Raja Raghuvanshi Was Killed in Front of Sonam’: Chargesheet Details Honeymoon Conspiracy
Reconstruction of the crime scene formed a cornerstone of the investigation. The SIT re-enacted the sequence of events in Sohra with the accused, enabling investigators to piece together a chilling narrative:
- Raja, aged 29, was allegedly attacked with machetes by the hired assailants right before Sonam’s eyes.
- Multiple pieces of compelling evidence—including the weapons, CCTV footage, a bloodied shirt, and personal items—are cited in the chargesheet.
The case began as a missing persons inquiry after Raja and Sonam disappeared on their honeymoon on May 26, 2025, following their arrival in Shillong on May 21. Raja’s body surfaced on June 2 in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls, Sohra, igniting a massive manhunt. Sonam remained missing for several days before surrendering to authorities in Uttar Pradesh. The others were subsequently arrested across Madhya Pradesh and UP.
The Family Speaks: Call for Justice
Following the chargesheet filing, Raja’s elder brother Vipin Raghuvanshi demanded that all accused—including Sonam and Raj Kushwaha—be punished with the death penalty. Expressing deep personal anguish, he accused Sonam’s brother Govind of betrayal, noting that Govind had once pledged to support their quest for justice but allegedly enlisted legal defense for his sister instead.
What the Chargesheet Means Legally
With this detailed compilation of evidence in place, the judicial process moves forward with judicial scrutiny. The court will now assess the merit of the prosecution’s case, after which the matter will proceed through further trial stages, including witness cross-examinations and expert testimony.
The addition of further charges against other accused—particularly those involved in tampering with evidence—could intensify the case’s gravity and legal ramifications.
Broader Impact: From Tragedy to National Spotlight
This case stands out not only for its tragic domestic betrayal but for its meticulously calculated nature and the involvement of close personal relationships.:
- The honeymoon setting—a symbol of love—turned into a tableau of conspiracy and murder, heightening public and media interest.
- The geographic distance between the crime (in Meghalaya) and the victim’s home (Indore) added complexity, prompting inter-state coordination.
- Involvement of local and national investigative units—including NDRF and SDRF during the initial search—spoke to the case’s severity and prominence.
Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Chargesheet Length | 790 pages, comprehensive evidence and enclosures submitted. |
| Key Accused | Wife Sonam, lover Raj Kushwaha, and three hired killers. |
| Legal Charges | Murder, conspiracy, destruction of evidence under BNS. |
| Evidence Submitted | Murder weapons, CCTV footage, reconstructions, personal effects. |
| Family Response | Demand for death penalty; feeling of betrayal from in-law. |
| Next Steps | Court scrutiny followed by trial; supplementary charges pending. |
In summary, the 790-page chargesheet filed by the Meghalaya Police marks a landmark moment in unraveling the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case—revealing a conspiracy filled with premeditation, betrayal, and calculated execution. As the legal process advances, the nation watches closely, awaiting justice for the tragic loss of a newlywed in the name of a honeymoon gone horribly wrong.
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