New Twist in Indore Honeymoon Murder: Not Contract Killers, But Friends Helping a Lover, Say Police
GG News Bureau
Shillong/Indore, 16th June: In a chilling development in the honeymoon murder of Indore-based man Raja Raghuvanshi, Meghalaya Police have revealed that the killing was not a straightforward contract murder for money, as initially suspected, but rather a crime carried out as a favour among friends.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, the three young men arrested alongside Raja’s wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha were not hired killers but close associates of the suspected mastermind.
“It was not a typical contract killing. Yes, the plan was to kill, and they did it as a favour to their friend Raj. One of the accused is Raj’s cousin,” Syiem told reporters, as quoted by PTI. Police now believe the murder was driven more by loyalty and personal ties than monetary incentive. Raj had allegedly given them only ₹50,000 for logistical support, not as payment for murder.
Grisly Plot with Bizarre Backups
Investigators say the conspiracy to murder Raja began in February in Indore—months before his May 11 wedding to Sonam. Police revealed that the conspirators had even discussed killing a random woman and burning her body to fake Sonam’s death, thereby buying her more time to disappear.
“The mastermind is Raj, while the woman—Sonam—had agreed to the plot,” Syiem confirmed.
Following their marriage, Raja (29) and Sonam (24) travelled to Sohra (Cherrapunji) in Meghalaya, a popular tourist destination. Both went missing on May 23. On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls. Nine days later, Sonam resurfaced in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and surrendered to police.
Murder in the Misty Hills
According to the police, Raj’s three friends arrived in Assam before the couple and initially planned to murder Raja in Guwahati. When that failed, Sonam suggested travelling further into the hills to Shillong and Sohra. The group regrouped in Nongriat.
The murder took place on May 23 between 2:00 PM and 2:18 PM near Weisawdong Falls. Police say Raja was attacked with a machete by Vishal, Akash, and Anand, while Sonam stood by. After killing him, they threw his body into a gorge to delay discovery.
“Sonam gave Akash her raincoat as his shirt had blood stains. He later disposed of it, but police recovered the abandoned raincoat and scooter,” said Syiem.
A Brazen Escape Plan in Disguise
After the murder, Sonam fled Meghalaya disguised in a burqa provided by Raj. She travelled by taxi to Guwahati, then took a bus to Siliguri in West Bengal, from where she boarded multiple buses and trains to eventually reach Indore via Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya police had launched a widespread search. Local tour guides in Sohra had identified the couple and the presence of three additional men, helping police reconstruct the sequence of events. Undercover police teams tracked movements across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, ultimately leading to the arrest of Akash. This triggered Raj to instruct Sonam to pretend she had escaped from an abduction gang.
“They underestimated the police. They thought Raja’s body wouldn’t be found easily and that it would take months to raise suspicion. Their plan was to play the victim card,” Syiem explained.
Ongoing Investigation and Custody
All five accused—Sonam, Raj, Vishal, Akash, and Anand—have been remanded to eight days of police custody. Authorities are currently recording their statements and plan to reconstruct the crime scene.
“We are questioning them thoroughly and are confident of filing a complete charge sheet within the 90-day limit,” the Superintendent added.
The chilling case, marked by betrayal, premeditated murder, and dramatic deception, has captured national attention, exposing the extent to which obsession and manipulation can spiral into tragedy.
