From Sacred Vows to Silent Violence: Husband Killed on Honeymoon in Chilling Conspiracy

What began as a fairy-tale wedding in Indore ended in murder in the lush hills of Meghalaya. A newlywed husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, was found dead during his honeymoon under suspicious circumstances. Weeks later, police uncovered a deeply unsettling truth: his wife Sonam, together with her lover operating under the alias “Sanjay Verma,” allegedly orchestrated his murder on a remote trekking trail.

The Honeymoon That Hid a Plot

On May 11, 2025, Raja and Sonam were married. To celebrate their union, they set off on a honeymoon to Meghalaya, arriving in Nongriat village on May 22. Known for its living root bridges and misty trails, the area is a favorite among honeymooners.

But on May 24, Raja went missing. Locals launched a search effort, but it wasn’t until June 2 that his body was discovered—deep in a gorge near Wei-Sawdong Falls. He had suffered fatal head injuries. What initially seemed like a tragic accident soon took a sinister turn.

The Phone That Spoke the Truth

Meghalaya Police turned their attention to Sonam, who had since returned to Uttar Pradesh. When her phone records were reviewed, they discovered over 200 calls made to a contact named “Sanjay Verma.” The conversations were long and occurred right up to the day of Raja’s death.

“Sanjay Verma,” police soon confirmed, was not a real person. He was Raj Kushwaha, a 24-year-old man who worked in her brother’s Indore-based factory. Sonam and Raj had been romantically involved prior to her marriage—and shockingly, continued their affair afterward.

Contract Killers in the Hills

Police believe the pair plotted Raja’s murder for months, choosing the honeymoon as a time when they could strike without arousing immediate suspicion.

Raj allegedly recruited three men—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Patel—to act as contract killers. On May 23, these men joined Raja and Sonam during their trek, pretending to be fellow tourists. Witnesses later confirmed seeing the group together on the trail.

Authorities believe Raja was lured to the gorge, struck with a dao (a local machete), and pushed over the cliff. The murder weapon was recovered with traces of blood, and Sonam’s white shirt—seen in CCTV footage—was later found discarded near the scene.

The Confession That Broke the Case

On June 9, Sonam was apprehended at a dhaba in Ghazipur. Before turning herself in, she recorded a short video proclaiming innocence. However, during police interrogation, she allegedly confessed to the murder plot.

Her confession was followed by Raj’s arrest in Indore. He too reportedly admitted to his role, as did the three accomplices. Investigators say the plan was to eliminate Raja so that Sonam and Raj could be together—and potentially take control of Raja’s financial assets.

A Betrayal Beyond Imagination

Raja’s family has expressed deep grief and anger. “My son loved her. He trusted her. And she handed him to killers,” said his father during a press interview. “What kind of woman does that?”

Meanwhile, Sonam’s relatives claim she was emotionally manipulated and that her confession was extracted under pressure. They’ve demanded an independent inquiry.

A Nation Responds

The case has become a national talking point. Experts on criminal psychology say the murder demonstrates a terrifying level of planning and emotional detachment. “What we’re seeing here is a classic betrayal murder,” said Dr. Reema Sen, a criminologist. “It’s premeditated, motivated by emotional obsession, and executed with cold precision.”

Public reaction on social media has been swift and fierce, with many demanding capital punishment.

Legal Proceedings and the Road Ahead

All five accused are currently in judicial custody in Shillong. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to oversee the case. Police are finalizing the charge sheet, and the trial is expected to begin later this year.

As the court prepares to deliberate, one question looms large: how did a man on his honeymoon—surrounded by nature, beauty, and love—end up the victim of a brutal betrayal?