Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case

Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: The mysterious murder of Raja Raghuvanshi on May 23, 2025, has shocked the country, especially after his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and four others, including her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, were arrested. As the investigation unfolds, Meghalaya Police have now released a detailed sequence of events leading to the planned murder.

Who Are the Key Accused in Raja Raghuvanshi’s Murder?

The five individuals arrested in connection with the murder include:

Sonam Raghuvanshi – Wife of the victim

Raj Kushwaha – Sonam’s alleged boyfriend

Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, Anand Kurmi – Hired contract killers

All five accused are currently in police custody for 8 days, during which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is reconstructing the crime scene and conducting detailed interrogations.

 

Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: What Happened on May 23? Chronology of the Murder Day

5:30 AM – Departure from Shillong

Raja and Sonam checked out of Shipra Homestay in Shillong and began their journey towards the Mawlakhaït trek in Cherrapunji.

6:00 AM – Killers Set Their Plan in Motion

At the same time, the three contract killers also checked out of a nearby homestay. Police reports confirm Sonam sent a message to alert them.

7:00 AM – Tea Stop & Fake Friendship

The couple stopped at a small shop for tea. The killers arrived, befriended Raja, and joined the couple on the trek, pretending to be tourists.

10:00 AM – Sighted by a Local Guide

A tour guide, Albert Pde, spotted the five individuals trekking together, confirming their presence in the same area.

12:30 PM – Misleading Phone Call

Sonam called Uma Raghuvanshi, her mother-in-law, saying they were tired and Raja’s phone battery was dead. She even handed the phone to Raja, possibly to avoid suspicion.

1:30 PM – The Attack

As the group trekked on, Sonam reportedly slowed down and signaled Vishal. He attacked Raja first, with Akash joining in shortly after.

2:15 PM – Social Media Misuse

Sonam allegedly used Raja’s phone to post a message on social media, trying to cover up the crime and delay suspicion.

2:30 PM – Body Dumped

Raja’s body was thrown into a deep gorge. Shortly after, all mobile phones went offline, likely switched off or destroyed.

Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: What Happened After May 23? Investigation Unfolds

May 24 – Search Operation Begins

With both Sonam and Raja missing, the case was initially treated as a missing couple. Their rented scooter was found abandoned near a café on the Shillong–Sohra road. Search and rescue teams, including NDRF and SDRF, began combing the region.

June 2 – Raja’s Body Found

A drone search spotted Raja’s body in a gorge below Wei Sawdong Falls. Investigators recovered crucial evidence:

Blood-stained machete

A black raincoat

White woman’s shirt

Smartwatch and a broken phone screen

Medication strips

Autopsy Results

The postmortem revealed severe head injuries caused by a sharp weapon, confirming a brutal and deliberate murder.

June 9 – Arrests Made

Sonam surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, at a roadside eatery. She was arrested along with Raj Kushwaha and the three contract killers.

Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: Who Masterminded the Murder? Conflicting Statements Add Twist

Police are now working to identify the true mastermind. During interrogation:

Sonam claimed she acted under pressure from Raj.

Raj insisted Sonam manipulated him and planned the murder herself.

Police Statement

DIG Davis NR Marak stated:

“Both have admitted their roles in the conspiracy, but they give contradictory accounts of who orchestrated it. We are verifying details through cross-examination and digital evidence.”

Conclusion: A Chilling Murder Unfolds Amid Love, Betrayal & Deceit

The Raja Raghuvanshi murder case is a tragic example of premeditated murder driven by betrayal and personal motives. With the investigation ongoing, police are confident that digital footprints, forensic reports, and interrogation will soon expose the full truth.