Fresh details continue to emerge in the shocking murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, whose body was found in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills during his honeymoon trip last month. Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, has now alleged that her son was asked by his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi to wear gold jewellery worth over ₹10 lakh during the trip.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ms Uma said Sonam had made all travel and stay arrangements for the couple’s honeymoon to Meghalaya but did not book a return ticket. She also claimed that Sonam may have extended the trip to Shillong without informing either family.
“Sonam booked all the tickets. She may have extended the trip to Shillong—my son didn’t know much about the area. Sonam’s mother told us they had visited Shillong last year,” she said.
Jewellery Allegation Raises Questions
Raja had reportedly left for the trip wearing jewellery including a diamond ring, chain, and bracelet — all at Sonam’s insistence, his mother alleged. When she asked Raja why he was taking so much gold, he responded that Sonam wanted him to wear it.
“If Sonam is involved, she should be hanged. Why would she leave him to die if she loved him?”
Ms Uma questioned. She also demanded a CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding her son’s death.
“The police did not even inform us that Sonam had been found. If she is innocent, why is she being accused?” she added.
Murder Timeline
Raja and Sonam, married on May 11, went missing during their honeymoon in Cherrapunjee on May 23. They had arrived in Nongriat a day earlier and were last seen checking out of Balaji Homestay. The scooter they had rented was later found abandoned in Sohrarim.
Ten days later, Raja’s body was recovered from a deep gorge near the Weisawdong Parking Lot. A suspected murder weapon—a machete- was also found at the scene.
Sonam’s Arrest
On Saturday night, Sonam was located at a roadside eatery (dhaba) in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in an unconscious state. She was taken to a local hospital, later surrendered to the police, and was arrested.
Authorities claim preliminary investigations have uncovered that Sonam allegedly had an extramarital affair and may have conspired with her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, to have her husband killed. They allege she hired contract killers from Madhya Pradesh to carry out the murder.
CCTV footage reportedly shows three to four suspects believed to be involved in the crime. Police say Sonam was in frequent contact with Kushwaha, and that the murder was planned with his assistance.
The investigation continues. Raja’s family, meanwhile, maintains that justice must be served and is pushing for a full-fledged CBI probe into the case.
