‘Operation Honeymoon’: Meghalaya Murder Case Solved After Wife’s Ornaments Lead Police To Chilling Plot

‘Operation Honeymoon’: The murder of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi, who had been on his honeymoon in Meghalaya, was brought to light after police recovered a mangalsutra and a ring from a suitcase his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, aged 25, had left behind at a homestay in Sohra, officials said.

These ornaments became the first significant clue in what investigators have identified as a premeditated contract killing, allegedly orchestrated by Sonam and her partner.

Raja and Sonam married in Indore on 11 May and travelled to Meghalaya on 20 May for their honeymoon.

The two went missing on 23 May from Sohra in East Khasi Hills, just hours after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village.

On 2 June, Raja’s body discovered in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls. The investigation took a decisive turn on 9 June when Sonam surrendered to authorities in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.

Police later arrested her partner, Raj Kushwaha, and three men Sonam had allegedly hired to carry out the killing.

Meghalaya Director General of Police, I Nongrang, stated that the breakthrough occurred when officers found the mangalsutra and ring in the suitcase Sonam had left behind.

“A married woman leaving behind the ornaments gave us a clue to pursue her as a suspect in the case,” Nongrang explained.

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Trail to the crime scene

A police officer associated with the investigation stated that the couple reached the Sohra homestay on 22 May without a prior reservation and couldn’t get accommodation.

They left their belongings at the premises and set out to hike the over 3,000-step trail leading to Nongriat village, renowned for its double-decker living root bridge.

The couple stayed overnight at a homestay in Nongriat and checked out early on 23 May.

After making the return trek to Sohra, they retrieved their scooter from a parking spot and headed toward Weisawdong Falls.

The three hired assassins allegedly killed Raja at this site in Sonam’s presence.

Police later learned from a tour guide that he had spotted the couple walking back from Nongriat to Sohra in the company of three men who spoke Hindi – an observation that proved crucial to the investigation.

“All the accused have admitted to the crime, and with all the evidence gathered, there is no room for denial,” the officer added.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that all five individuals have admitted to their roles in the crime.

A court in Shillong has, however, remanded Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, and the three alleged contract killers to eight days in police custody as the investigation proceeds.

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