Honeymoon Murder Case: Meghalaya Files FIRs Against ‘Smear Campaign’
Meghalaya Cabinet meeting and Indore couple (Image X.com)
Meghalaya Cracks Down on Smear Campaign, Files FIRs Over Social Media Attacks on State’s Image
By TRH News Desk
SHILLONG, June 12, 2025 – The Meghalaya government has registered multiple FIRs against media outlets, YouTubers, and even family members of both the victim and the accused, accusing them of orchestrating a smear campaign against the state following reports of the disappearance and murder of a honeymooning couple.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, social media was flooded with accusations branding Meghalaya as a “crime hub,” with some labelling Sohra as “crime-prone hills” and allegedly inciting people to retaliate against local residents.
Addressing the controversy, Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday clarified that the murder was the outcome of a love triangle, in which Sonam Raghuvanshi and her lover allegedly hired contract killers to murder her husband, Raja.
“Regarding the assault on Meghalaya’s image and the media trial run by certain news channels, the state government has registered FIRs through the police. We will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that those responsible for tarnishing the state’s reputation are held accountable,” Lyngdoh said. He also stressed that tourist destinations across Meghalaya remain safe, with no reports of assaults or attacks on visitors.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to tourism, Lyngdoh said the government will collaborate with local tourism stakeholders to strengthen safety measures and prevent such incidents in the future.
Praising the swift response by law enforcement, Lyngdoh lauded the state police for cracking the case in under a week.
“The main accused hired contract killers to execute this heinous crime. We commend the Special Investigation Team for solving the case within seven days,” he stated, calling it a testament to the competence and professionalism of the Meghalaya Police.
The Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case
The Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case, a chilling crime that unfolded in May-June 2025, has gripped India with its shocking details and complex web of betrayal. The case centers on the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old businessman from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, during his honeymoon in Meghalaya’s scenic East Khasi Hills.
What initially appeared to be a tragic missing persons’ case evolved into a premeditated murder plot allegedly orchestrated by his newlywed wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her associates.
Timeline of Events
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, aged 24, were married in an arranged marriage on May 11, 2025, in Indore. Just nine days later, on May 20, the couple travelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon, arriving in Shillong on May 21. They checked into the Balaji Guest House and later visited Nongriat village, known for its living root bridges, on May 22.
The couple rented a scooter and was last seen on May 23, trekking near Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra (Cherrapunji). That same day, they went missing, prompting a massive search operation involving the Meghalaya Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and drones.
On June 2, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls, with forensic evidence indicating homicide. An autopsy revealed two sharp wounds to his head, caused by a machete, leading to death from excessive blood loss. A blood-stained machete and a raincoat were found nearby, further confirming foul play. Sonam remained untraceable, raising initial fears of her abduction.
The case took a dramatic turn on June 9 when Sonam surfaced in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, at a dhaba, claiming she had been drugged and abducted. She surrendered to the Nandganj police station, but investigations revealed a different story.
Meghalaya Police, supported by Indore and Uttar Pradesh authorities, arrested Sonam and four others, alleging she orchestrated Raja’s murder with the help of her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, and three hired assailants: Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi (23).
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