Raphael Warjri

At a press conference on the evening of June 12, 2025, the Meghalaya Police disclosed fresh developments in the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was allegedly killed during his honeymoon on May 23. Investigators believe his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, conspired in the crime with Raj Kushwaha, her father’s employee and alleged lover.

Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Vivek Syiem, said all the accused have confessed. He stated that based on their admissions during the first day of an ongoing 8-day  investigation, Raj Kushwaha was identified as the mastermind behind the plot, which had been in preparation much before the wedding of Sonam to Eaja Raghuwanshi. Multiple disturbing plans were discussed before they settled on killing Raja during the honeymoon.

Police said Kushwaha and three associates — one of whom is his cousin — arrived in the area ahead of the couple, initially planning to carry out the murder in Guwahati. When that failed, Sonam allegedly suggested they travel to Shillong, where the murder took place at Weisawdong Parking Lot, Sohra, on May 23.

The plot began to unravel when police started identifying suspects. Raj Kushwaha reportedly panicked and told Sonam to fake a kidnapping and escape. However, police tracked her movements, and arrests made in Uttar Pradesh eventually led to her discovery in Ghazipur.