The case of Sonam Raghuwanshi and her husband Raja has made news all over India. It’s not just sad because of what happened, but also because the police investigation is complicated and it makes people think about how justice works, how safe people are, and how much attention these cases get from the public and media.
Who Are Sonam Raghuwanshi and Raja Raghuwanshi?
Sonam Raghuwanshi is a 24-year-old woman from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. She married Raja Raghuwanshi on May 11, 2025. Like many new couples, they select the beautiful state of Meghalaya for their honeymoon, hoping to enjoy and create special moments in the hills and valleys of Northeast India.
The Timeline: From Honeymoon Bliss to Tragedy
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2025 | A couple departs for honeymoon in Meghalaya |
| May 20 | Their rented scooter was found abandoned near a café on the Shillong–Sohra road |
| May 22 | Arrive at Mawlakhiyat, trek to Nongriat, check into a homestay |
| May 23 | Last seen checking out of the homestay, trekking with three unidentified men |
| May 24 | Raja’s decomposed body was found in a gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji) |
| June 2 | Sonam was located and arrested at a dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh |
| June 9 | Sonam located and arrested at a dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh |
How Meghalaya Police Cracked the Case: Sonam Raghuwanshi’s Alleged Role in Husband’s Murder
1. Search and Discovery:
After Sonam and Raja went missing, the Meghalaya police started a big search using drones, sniffer dogs, and rescue teams. The search made progress when they found Raja’s body in a deep valley, and it was clear he had been murdered.
2. The Guide’s Important Statement:
A local guide had offered to help Sonam and Raja, but they said no. He later told the police that on May 23, he saw the couple walking with three men who spoke Hindi. This information was very important because it helped the police look for suspects who were not from the local area.
3. Arrests Across States:
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) worked together with the police in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Sonam was found at a roadside restaurant (dhaba) in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where she called her brother for help. The police then arrested her. Three men, who are believed to be hired killers, were also caught in Indore and Uttar Pradesh. One more suspect has not been found yet.
4. The Suspected Reason:
The police say that Sonam planned the murder by paying some men to kill Raja during their honeymoon. The men who were arrested told the police that Sonam hired them for this. A special team is handling the case, and the investigation is still going on.
Family’s Stand: A Tale of Two Narratives
Sonam’s Family:
Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, says that all the allegations against his daughter are false. He believes the Meghalaya police are making up evidence and not handling the case properly. He says Sonam is innocent and that she gave herself up to the police in Uttar Pradesh, not Meghalaya. The family wants the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to look into the case. They also say Sonam could not have planned such a crime and have warned that they will take legal action against the Meghalaya police if their claims turn out to be wrong.
Raja’s Family:
Raja’s family has asked for a CBI investigation because they don’t trust the local police and want justice for Raja. They have written letters to both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, requesting that the central government take over the case.
Key Evidence and Police Statements
- Physical Evidence: Blood-stained machete, raincoat, mobile phone fragments, and Raja’s smartwatch were found near the crime scene.
- Confessions: The three men who were arrested have admitted their involvement and have said that Sonam was the one who planned everything.
- Official Statements: The Meghalaya police say Sonam gave herself up because she was forced to, and that she is the main person responsible for planning the murder. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is still looking for the other person involved.
Public and Political Reactions
- Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma praised the police for their swift action and the breakthrough in the case, highlighting inter-state cooperation.
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI investigation, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case and the demand for transparency.
- Media and Social Media: The case has sparked nationwide debate, with many questioning the speed, transparency, and fairness of the investigation.
Why This Case Matters
- Tourist Safety: The tragedy underscores the need for stronger safety protocols for travelers in remote regions.
- Inter-State Law Enforcement: The investigation highlights the challenges and importance of police coordination across state lines in India.
- Public Scrutiny and Justice: The case demonstrates the impact of public and media pressure in high-profile investigations and the importance of a fair, transparent process.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
- Is Sonam guilty as charged, or is she being framed? The courts and ongoing investigation will determine the truth.
- Will the case be handed over to the CBI? Growing demands from both families and state leaders suggest this is possible.
- What about the missing suspect? Police efforts continue to track down the last accused.
Conclusion
The Sonam Raghuwanshi case is a sad and complicated story. It has shown how travelers can be at risk, how difficult police investigations can be, and how much attention such cases get from the public. As the investigation continues and the courts get involved, people across the country are watching and hoping for clear answers and fair justice for everyone involved.
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