Sonam Raghuwanshi returned to parents' home just 4 days after wedding — 'plotted' husband's murder with lover

Sonam Raghuwanshi and Raja

Sonam Raghuwanshi had returned to her parental home in Uttar Pradesh just four days after her wedding with Raja, for a customary post-marriage ritual. But during this visit, police claim, she allegedly plotted her husband’s murder with her former lover, Raj Kushwaha, according to a report by The Times of India.

The couple was on a honeymoon trip in Meghalaya when tragedy struck. Initially, Raja was reported missing after a trek, with fears that the newlyweds had lost their way. But on June 2, Raja’s body was found in a deep gorge. A machete, a mobile phone, and a blood-stained raincoat were found nearby. While it first looked like a robbery gone wrong as his gold ring and chain were missing.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), along with NDRF, SDRF, and intelligence units, was formed. Then the breakthrough in the case came when Sonam was arrested from a dhaba in Uttar Pradesh, and four suspects, Raj, Akash Rajput (21), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi (23), were picked up from Indore, Satna, and Lalitpur.

However, Sonam has denied killing Raja. "I didn't kill my husband. They killed him for the jewellery," Sonam said, referring to the four arrested men.

Raj, who worked as an accountant in Sonam’s family business, had been in a relationship with her before marriage. Though he moved away a year ago, police believe they remained in touch. Her family was reportedly against the relationship and arranged her marriage with Raja through their community.

East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem alleged Sonam had been sending her location to Raj throughout the trip. The officials believe the killers trailed the couple after they visited Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. Raj remained in Indore, while Akash, Vishal and Anand travelled by train to Assam, the TOI report said. The murder weapon was allegedly purchased in Guwahati.

Sonam also persuaded Raja to extend their Shillong stay. A local guide, Albert Pde, told police he saw the couple with three Hindi-speaking men near Nongriat village on May 23. This clue was key in linking the accused to the crime.

"All the dots connected to indicate that there was prior planning. We will confirm everything once the accused are interrogated together,” TOI quoted SP Syiem as saying.