Suspicion surrounded Sonam from the beginning

Suspicion surrounded Sonam Raghuvanshi from the early stages of the investigation into her husband Raja Raghuvanshi's disappearance on May 23, 2025, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. While the case initially treated both Raja and Sonam as missing persons, certain details quickly raised red flags about Sonam's involvement. 

On May 23, 2025, Raja and Sonam were reported missing after visiting Wei Sawdong Falls. Raja's body was discovered on June 2 in a gorge, with injuries suggesting foul play. From the outset, investigators noted inconsistencies in Sonam's account, as she claimed they were together when they went missing, yet she reappeared unharmed. Early police statements highlighted that Sonam was seen on CCTV footage at a Shillong homestay on May 22, wearing a raincoat and white shirt matching items found near Raja’s body, which fueled suspicion.

The Meghalaya Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered evidence suggesting Sonam’s involvement, including a blood-stained machete near the crime scene and her alleged communication with accomplices. Reports indicate she shared GPS locations with hired killers—Vishal Singh Chauhan, Aakash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi—allegedly orchestrated by her paramour, Raj Kushwaha. This suggested premeditation, with planning dating back to May 16, just days after their wedding.

Social media posts from late May 2025 also reflect public speculation about Sonam’s role, with some users pointing to her behavior and the couple’s short marriage as suspicious. The police’s focus on Sonam intensified after her surrender on June 8 at Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, following which she was arrested and transported to Meghalaya.

Meanwhile, Sonam’s family, particularly her father, Devi Singh, has maintained her innocence, alleging she was framed by the Meghalaya Police. They claim procedural irregularities and are pushing for a CBI inquiry, adding complexity to the narrative.

While suspicion surrounded Sonam from the beginning due to circumstantial evidence and her proximity to the crime, her arrest on June 8, 2025, solidified her status as the prime suspect. The case remains active, with ongoing investigations to clarify the full extent of her involvement and address her family’s counterclaims.