Love’s Deadly Deception: Sonam and Raj in 13-Day Custody for Raja Raghuvanshi’s Murder  

National News: Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old Indore businessman, was murdered on May 23, 2025, during his honeymoon in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills. His wife, Sonam, and her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, were sent to 13-day judicial custody by a Shillong court on June 21, 2025. Media reports reveal their marriage on May 11, 2025, hid a sinister plot to eliminate Raja, planned months in advance. 

Investigations uncovered a plot hatched in February 2025. Sonam, with Raj, an accountant in her family’s plywood business, hired three hitmen—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi—for ₹50,000. A tourist’s video from Nongriat village, capturing Raja’s final struggle near Weisawdong Falls, became key evidence. Media reports confirm call records exposing over 200 calls between Sonam and Raj, revealing their illicit affair.

Sonam’s Cunning Escape

Post-murder, Sonam fled to Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, after Raja’s body was found in a gorge on June 2, 2025, surrendering on June 8. She stayed in an Indore flat rented by Raj from May 26 to June 8, evading capture. Media reports note her mangalsutra and ring, left at a homestay, were deliberate clues to fake her disappearance.

A Betrayed Family’s Outrage

The case has sparked nationwide shock, with Raja’s family demanding a CBI probe and narco tests for Sonam and Raj. A viral video of Raja fighting his attackers showcases his bravery, while Sonam’s use of an alias, Sanjay Verma, for Raj highlights their deception. Media reports indicate the plot initially aimed to fake Sonam’s death before turning deadly. Sonam and Raj face 13-day judicial custody, while the three hitmen are in 14-day custody. The Shillong court’s ruling marks progress toward justice for Raja, whose life ended in betrayal. Media reports reflect public outrage, with demands for swift punishment. This twisted tale of love and murder continues to captivate India.