‘Sonam planned a human sacrifice’: Family alleges black magic in Raja Raghuvanshi murder - 'Killed on Gyaras'

Sonam and Raja

The murder of Indore-based man Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya has taken a darker turn with fresh allegations made by his family, pointing to black magic, astrological manipulation and a possible human sacrifice conspiracy allegedly involving his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her lover, Raj Kushwaha, News18 reported.

Raja’s grieving parents have alleged that the murder may have deeper spiritual and superstitious motivations. His mother accused Sonam of performing tantrik kriyas (black magic rituals) and placing the entire family under a vashikaran (hypnotic spell).

“She had done something like a spell on all of us,” the mother told News18. “People used to talk about it, but we never believed them. Now we’re seeing the truth with our own eyes.”

The couple had reportedly visited the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered Shakti Peethas known for its association with tantric practices. Following that visit, Sonam allegedly gave Raja a necklace linked to occult rituals.

Raja’s mother further alleged that he was killed on ‘Gyaras’ — the 11th day of the lunar fortnight — which she claimed held occult significance. “It seems she had the intent of offering a human sacrifice,” she said, quoted News18.

The family also pointed to astrological factors, alleging that both Raja and Sonam had Manglik dosh, a condition in Vedic astrology said to require specific rituals for marital harmony. “Rituals were required, but they were never performed. Now I fear Sonam used it as a cover for her sinister plan,” Raja’s mother said.

News18 cited his father, Ashok Raghuvanshi, who echoed the suspicion. “If strict questioning is done with Sonam Raghuvanshi, many facts of the case will be out. A lady cannot do this alone,” he said, alleging that Sonam may have manipulated the situation under the guise of being a manglik and conspired to eliminate Raja.

The family believes the motive behind the murder could be greed and a desire to be with another man. “Sonam had already decided to remove Raja from her path,” Raja’s mother said, alleging that Sonam controlled planning through her phone and never even booked a return ticket after they reached Kamakhya.

She also said Sonam’s mother may have been aware of the conspiracy, adding that at least 15 people could be involved. “These young people killed Raja out of greed. He was the one who managed all the money,” she claimed, indicating financial control as a possible motive.

The young couple, who had tied the knot on May 11, travelled to Guwahati and Meghalaya on May 2o for what was supposed to be a honeymoon. But by May 23, both had gone missing from Sohra in East Khasi Hills district after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village. What followed was a nationwide manhunt and sensational revelations that have gripped the country.

Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge near the Weisawdong Falls on June 2. While initial confusion prevailed about Sonam’s whereabouts, she was eventually traced to Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh and taken into custody on June 9. Police maintain that she surrendered, contrary to her claim of being drugged and abandoned.

According to the police, Sonam, in connivance with Raj Kushwaha and three hired contract killers, plotted the murder well in advance. Investigators revealed that Sonam told Raja they must make an offering at the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati before consummating the marriage, a move believed to be a ploy to lure him to the Northeast under spiritual pretences.

However, the plan had to be deferred due to heavy tourist footfall in the area. Police said Raja was finally murdered near Weisawdong Falls and his body dumped into a gorge.

Police say Sonam was present at the scene when Raja was killed. She reportedly fled soon after taking a taxi to

Shillong, then a tourist cab to Guwahati and boarded a series of trains to evade detection.

As the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Meghalaya Police digs deeper, more chilling details are emerging. SP Vivek Syiem said the contract killers travelled from Guwahati to Shillong and were armed with a machete procured locally. Their presence in Meghalaya from 21 May onwards coincided with the couple’s travel plans.

Police are now scrutinising phone records, train journeys and digital trails to build the timeline and verify Sonam’s version of events post-crime.