Shillong, June 11 – In the high-profile Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, all five accused, including prime suspect Sonam Raghuvanshi, were produced before a Shillong court on Wednesday, ten days after the recovery of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi’s body.
Following the completion of medical and legal formalities, Meghalaya Police presented the accused before the sessions court, seeking police custody for further investigation. Security was tightened around the court premises during the proceedings.
Sonam (24), who allegedly plotted the murder of her husband during their honeymoon, arrived in Shillong late Tuesday night. The remaining four accused—Raj Singh Khushwaha (21), identified as Sonam’s alleged lover and the main conspirator, Anand Singh Kurmi (23), Akash Rajput (19), and Vishal Singh Chauhan (22)—were brought to Shillong on Wednesday.
The case gained national attention after Raja Raghuvanshi (29) went missing with Sonam during their honeymoon trip to Meghalaya’s Sohra-Cherrapunji region on May 23. On June 2, his body was found in a deep gorge near Wei Sawdong in Sohra, sparking widespread outrage.
Meghalaya Police formed Special Investigation Teams and launched ‘Operation Honeymoon,’ successfully arresting the suspects from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh with help from local police.
According to police, after allegedly committing the crime, Sonam and her associates fled from Sohra to Indore via Guwahati. Sonam later escaped to Uttar Pradesh, where she surrendered in Ghazipur on June 7. Authorities suspect the group planned to flee to Nepal.
Locals first raised alarm after discovering the couple’s abandoned rented scooter near Sohrarim village. Police will now take the accused to the crime scene for reconstruction.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem confirmed all five will remain in Meghalaya Police custody for detailed interrogation and further investigation.