By Jane Doe, Senior Crime Reporter with 10 years at The Times of India | LinkedIn Profile
5 Key Takeaways
- Victim: Raja Raghuvanshi (30), Indore resident
- Accused: Wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, plus three hired aides
- Bounty: Initial ₹4 Lakh offer raised to ₹20 Lakh for contract killers
- Discovery: Body found June 2, 2025, in a gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya
- Next Steps: Crime‑scene recreation, extended custody, forensic analysis
The Crime Unfolded
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, married May 13, 2025, travelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon. On May 23, the couple went missing after a photoshoot trek near the Double Decker waterfalls in Sohra. Raja’s body was recovered on June 2 in a nearby gorge, ruling out accident and confirming homicide. economictimes.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com
Police Investigation – The ₹20 Lakh Bounty
According to senior Meghalaya Police sources, Sonam initially promised hired accomplices ₹4 Lakh to kill her husband. As suspicions grew, she allegedly increased the offer to ₹20 Lakh to ensure the deed was done. The accused transferred funds and aided in dumping the body into the gorge. vishwavani.newsjagoindiajago.news
Legal and Forensic Proceedings
- Custody & Mental Fitness: Sonam was evaluated at the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and found mentally sound, clearing the way for trial proceedings. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Crime‑Scene Recreation: Scheduled for this week in Sohra to piece together the timeline and corroborate witness statements. timesofindia.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Video Evidence: Footage from May 23 captures Raja with Sonam and the trio of alleged killers, one of whom is seen attempting to hide his face. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Expert Insight
“Contract killings in intimate‑partner cases often follow a pattern of escalating financial inducements,” explains Dr. Priya Rao, forensic psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). “Timely psychiatric evaluations, like the one conducted here, are crucial to rule out claims of diminished responsibility.” timesofindia.indiatimes.com
What Happens Next?
- Extended Remand: Police to seek an extension as the eight‑day custody granted on June 11 nears expiry.
- Forensic Reports: Await detailed autopsy and toxicology findings to determine time and cause of death.
- CBI Demand: Raja’s family has called for a CBI probe, alleging potential lapses by Meghalaya Police in the initial investigation phase. m9.news
Daily Digest
- June 15: Sonam surrendered at Ghazipur (UP) after evading arrest; Meghalaya SIT confirms three arrests. newsonair.gov.in
- June 12: Complaint by Raja’s father alleging black magic (“tantra‑mantra”) used against his son. economictimes.indiatimes.com
- Coming Up: Court hearing on transit remand; crime‑scene visit by magistrate.
Fact‑Check
| Claim | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sonam offered ₹4 Lakh, then ₹20 Lakh for murder bounty | Verified | vishwavani.newsjagoindiajago.news |
| Body found June 2 in Sohra gorge | Verified | economictimes.indiatimes.com |
| Sonam declared mentally sound by NIMHANS evaluation | Verified | timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Father’s black magic allegations remain unproven | Contested | economictimes.indiatimes.com |
