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| Sonam Raghuvanshi’s brother Govind Raghuvanshi visited her dead husband’s bereaved family in Indore and consoled them. |
Agencies, June 12, 2025 : The family of Sonam Raghuvanshi, a woman accused of orchestrating the murder of her husband during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, has publicly disowned her, with her brother asserting that the evidence strongly indicates her involvement. Speaking to reporters in Indore, Govind Raghuvanshi, Sonam’s brother, said he was “100 per cent sure” that his sister was responsible for the killing of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi.
The statement marks a stark shift from the family’s earlier stance, as Sonam’s parents had previously denied the possibility of her involvement. Now, however, Govind claims the family has cut all ties with her. He met Raja’s grieving family in Indore to offer condolences and apologised for what he described as an “unforgivable act.”
According to the police, Raja and Sonam had travelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon after getting married on May 11 in Indore. On May 23, they checked out of a homestay in Nongriat village. Ten days later, Raja’s body was discovered in a 200-foot-deep gorge, about 20 km away, near Weisawdong Falls. An autopsy revealed that he had been attacked twice with a sharp weapon — once from the front and once from behind.
Investigations revealed that the murder was allegedly planned by Sonam and her reported boyfriend, Raj Singh Kushwaha, 21, with assistance from three others — Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi. All five individuals, including Sonam, have been arrested and are currently in police custody. The police stated that Sonam had allegedly told Raja they would consummate the marriage only after visiting the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati — a pretext used to delay intimacy while the murder plot was being executed.
Sonam went missing after the murder but surrendered at a police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 8 — 14 days after Raja’s body was found. The arrests followed intensive investigation, and all accused are being held in police remand for eight days as per a court order.
Govind Raghuvanshi, while confirming that his sister had not admitted to the crime, said the material evidence leaves no doubt about her role. He also revealed that their mother was unaware of Sonam’s relationship with Raj Kushwaha, stating, “Had we known, we would have never allowed this to happen.”
Further, Govind clarified that the marriage date between Sonam and Raja had been chosen based on an astrologer’s advice, and not under any pressure or haste. Emphasising justice, he said, “Whoever is guilty must be punished — even hanged. If needed, I will appoint a lawyer myself to represent Raja’s family in court.”
The investigation continues, with law enforcement authorities examining the circumstances of the alleged contract killing and its execution in a remote forested region of Meghalaya. The case has drawn national attention due to its disturbing nature and the involvement of close acquaintances in a crime motivated by personal betrayal.
