Meghalaya honeymoon murder: Sonam claims she was drugged and brought to UP's Ghazipur

Sonam Raghuwanshi and Raja Raghuvanshi

Sonam Raghuwanshi, who was arrested for allegedly killing her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, in her statement to the Uttar Pradesh Police claimed that she was brought to Ghazipur after being drugged, NDTV reported.

Giving details regarding the case, including Sonam's claim that "She was drugged and brought to Ghazipur" to present herself as the victim, UP Police's Additional Director General (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash told NDTV that Sonam is trying to portray herself as the victim.

"Sonam presented herself as a victim before the police, claiming she was drugged and brought to Ghazipur. She informed her family about this, knowing the police would eventually reach her. Around 3 am on Monday, she told her family that she was at a dhaba on the Ghazipur-Varanasi road. Her family immediately contacted the Madhya Pradesh Police, who informed the local police, leading to Sonam's arrest. She was sent for a medical check-up and then to a One-Stop Centre. The Meghalaya Police are now interrogating her and completing legal formalities," the ADG was quoted by NDTV.

'Sonam, a poor planner'

Meghalaya Police believe that Sonam was in an extramarital affair that led to the murder. She orchestrated the murder in connivance with her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, and surrendered under pressure on June 8. Both were later arrested, the report added.

"Sonam is a poor planner. She lacked knowledge of police procedures and thought she could escape by posing as a victim, but she failed. The Meghalaya police have done excellent work and are currently handling the case. If they seek assistance, we will provide it," Yash was quoted as saying by NDTV.

As per the report, Uttar Pradesh has not joined the probe, and the case is being investigated by Meghalaya Police. The senior UP police officer told NDTV that Sonam came to Ghazipur alone, adding that "CCTV footage and other evidence are being examined, and the truth will soon emerge."

"This case is unique due to the extensive planning to avoid detection by taking the body to Meghalaya and dumping it in an inaccessible location. However, the plan failed," he added.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem, who cracked the case, in an exclusive conversation with NDTV, described how the police tracked her down.

“There is substantial evidence to implicate the victim's wife and her alleged partner, Raj Kushwaha,” he added.Raja and Sonam got married on May 11. They left for their honeymoon on May 20. A day later, the couple were in Shillong, the report added.