Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is accused of murdering her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya last month, went into hiding at a rented apartment in Indore after committing the crime, according to police sources.
Following the murder, which took place in the remote hills of the northeastern state, Sonam was reported "missing." Her husband’s body was later discovered in a deep gorge, triggering a high-profile investigation. Police say Sonam secretly took shelter in a flat that had been rented by one of the three hired killers involved in the plot.
The rented accommodation, located about five kilometres from the residence of accused Vishal Singh Chauhan, was leased under his name. Vishal was identified as the first attacker, who allegedly struck Raja with a machete during the assault in Meghalaya. The two other assailants were identified as Akash Rajput and Anand Kurmi.
According to investigators, the flat was rented on May 30, exactly seven days after the murder, which has drawn national attention due to its brutality and betrayal. Police said Vishal had completed the necessary verification process while taking the flat, claiming to be an interior designer looking for a place to stay. It was this flat where Sonam went into hiding. “An advance payment of ₹16,000 was made to the landlord,” a source added.
Further investigation revealed that Raj Kushwaha, Sonam’s lover and the alleged mastermind behind the conspiracy, ordered groceries worth ₹5,000 online to support her while she stayed hidden at the Indore flat.
Also Read: Honeymoon horror: Sonam, 4 aides sent to 8-day police custody
What began as a search for a "missing couple" turned into a chilling tale of premeditated murder. Sonam (24) and Raja (29), both residents of Indore, had tied the knot on May 11. However, police later discovered that Sonam maintained an ongoing relationship with Raj Kushwaha, an accountant at her family's furniture sheet business. Sonam was actively involved in managing the business.
After their marriage, the couple travelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon. On May 23, just hours after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village—a location around 20 km from where Raja's body was eventually found—they both disappeared. As the case gained momentum and police intensified their search, Sonam resurfaced in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 8, and surrendered at the Nandganj police station. Her surrender came shortly after the arrest of Akash, Vishal, and Anand from locations in Uttar Pradesh, Indore, and Sagar (Madhya Pradesh). Raj Kushwaha was arrested later.
On Wednesday, Sonam reportedly confessed to her involvement in her husband's murder. Police also disclosed that Sonam’s cousin, Jitendra Raghuvanshi, had made the first payment to the three contract killers. In response to the shocking revelations, Sonam’s brother, Govind Raghuvanshi, stated that the family had severed all ties with her. Expressing his sorrow and support, Govind pledged to stand with Raja’s grieving family and assist them in pursuing justice.
This cold-blooded murder, planned during what was supposed to be a celebration of new beginnings, has stunned the nation and raised serious questions about trust and betrayal in personal relationships.
Also Read: Raj, Raja’s killers planned to fake Sonam's death: Police
Follow us
