Unlocking the Mystery: How a Mangalsutra Revealed the Truth Behind Meghalaya’s Honeymoon Murder

A mangalsutra and a ring left behind in a suitcase have provided crucial evidence in the murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, during his honeymoon in Meghalaya’s Sohra (also known as Cherrapunji), according to District Police Chief Idashisha Nongrang. Raja and his wife Sonam, 25, were married on May 11 in Indore and arrived in Meghalaya via Guwahati on May 20 for their honeymoon. However, they went missing just three days later, on May 23, after checking out from a homestay in the village of Nongriat, located in East Khasi Hills.

Investigators discovered Sonam’s mangalsutra and a ring in a suitcase left at the homestay, which raised suspicions about Sonam’s role in the incident. Nongrang commented, “A married woman leaving behind such personal ornaments raised suspicion. It became the first clue that Sonam may not be a victim but a suspect.” Following this revelation, a local court has placed Sonam and four of her aides in police custody for eight days.

The couple arrived at the Sohra homestay on May 22 without a prior reservation, leaving their luggage behind before trekking down 3,000 steps to view the double-decker root bridge in Nongriat. After spending a night there, they checked out early on May 23, returning to Sohra to retrieve their scooter and head towards Weisawdong Falls. It is alleged that Raja was killed at this location in front of Sonam by three contract killers.

Raja’s body was eventually located in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2. Meanwhile, Sonam surfaced in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, nearly 1,200 kilometers away, surrendering to police on June 9. Authorities have since arrested Sonam’s boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, along with three suspected contract killers, all of whom have allegedly confessed to the crime. The five accused are now in police custody as further investigations unfold.

A tour guide reported seeing the couple accompanied by three Hindi-speaking men while returning from Nongriat, which has further supported the police findings. Investigators claim that the case is now solidly backed by confessions and physical evidence, including the suitcase left behind by the couple.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/how-a-mangalsutra-helped-crack-the-meghalaya-honeymoon-murder-mystery-1227793-2025-06-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-06-12 10:53:00