Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Case Breakthrough and Timeline

Police have made a significant breakthrough in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case. They arrested Sonam Raghuvanshi, the missing wife of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed. Additionally, three other individuals believed to be hired killers were also arrested. This case, initially thought to be a missing persons case, has now turned into a planned murder investigation.

Arrest Details

The case took a turn when Sonam Raghuvanshi was found at Kashi Dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road in Uttar Pradesh. UP ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash stated, “Sonam Raghuvanshi, aged about 24 years, was found at night at Kashi Dhaba. She was sent to Sadar Hospital for treatment and then kept in One Stop Centre.”

Police also arrested Akash Kumar from the Mahrauni police station area in Lalitpur. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma praised the state police for solving the case that shocked the nation. He said, “In 7 days, the Meghalaya Police made a significant breakthrough in the Raja murder case. Three attackers from Madhya Pradesh were arrested, the woman surrendered, and the operation is still ongoing to catch one more attacker. Well done.”

Ghazipur police are unsure if Sonam reached Ghazipur by road or train. Teams from Meghalaya and Indore police are expected to arrive in Ghazipur to continue the investigation and take Sonam to Meghalaya.

Dhaba Owner’s Statement

The owner of Kashi Dhaba in Ghazipur reported that around 1 am, Sonam arrived at his shop and asked to use his phone to call her brother. Though the Dhaba owner did not recognize her, he saw her condition and called the police.

“Around late last night, about 1 AM, she came to the shop crying and asked to make a phone call. I told her to sit, and then I called the police. The police came and took her. That’s all that happened,” the eatery owner said.

Conflicting Claims

Different statements have been made about the case. Sonam’s father said, “Why would my daughter do such a thing? The Meghalaya Police is lying. My daughter reached Ghazipur on her own. She was not arrested in Meghalaya.”

Raja’s brother Vipin also questioned the police story: “The police have not made any arrest, and she has not surrendered either – these are all rumors. The DGP is saying she is the killer, but as of now, Sonam hasn’t even been questioned properly. Nothing has been officially said to her yet.”

Timeline of Events

• May 22: The couple reached Mawlakhiyat village and started the steep 3,000-step trek to Nongriat, known for its living root bridges. They spent the night in a homestay and were last seen checking out the next morning.
• May 23: A search began after the family lost contact with the couple. Police said the couple, after checking out of the homestay, went to Mawlakhait village without a guide. Their mobile phones were last traced to Mawlakhait. The same day, their rented scooter was found abandoned near a cafe along the Shillong–Sohra road. Local villagers informed the police, who then mapped the area the couple had visited.
• May 27: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asked his Meghalaya counterpart, Conrad Sangma, for help in finding the missing couple. Sangma assured Yadav that the Meghalaya police and administration were doing everything possible to find them.
• June 02: The body of Raja Raghuvanshi was found in Meghalaya, but Sonam was still missing. A blood-stained machete and a raincoat like the one Sonam was seen putting in the scooter were also found at the scene.
• June 04: A woman’s white shirt, medicine, a part of a mobile phone LCD screen, and a smartwatch were also found at the spot. A homicide case was registered.
• June 06: CCTV footage showed Raja and Sonam arriving at Manha Hotel in Saitsohpen, Sohra, on a scooter, carrying a small suitcase on May 23. After not getting a room, they left the suitcase at the hotel and left.
• June 09: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed that four people, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, were arrested. He said the woman had surrendered to the police. Later, Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang said that Sonam was arrested in UP’s Ghazipur.