Honeymoon Turns Deadly: Wife Planned Murder with Lover
Deception and a Failed Robbery Ruse Unravel in Meghalaya
A seemingly idyllic honeymoon in Meghalaya ended in tragedy as authorities uncover a calculated plot involving murder, deception, and a planned new life. The case reveals a chilling scheme orchestrated by a wife and her alleged lover to eliminate her husband and collect a fraudulent insurance payout.
The Suspicion Grows
Investigators initially became skeptical of Sonam Raghuvanshi’s account after a phone call with her mother-in-law, during which she claimed to be fasting for her husband’s, Raja Raghuvanshi’s, health. This claim proved false when authorities discovered she had been dining at the hotel where the couple stayed.
Further investigation revealed constant communication between Sonam and Raj Kushwaha, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the murder. According to police, the intent was to stage Raja’s death as a robbery gone wrong.
“We found that she had consumed food. We also found that she was in touch with the main accused, Raj Kushwaha. The plan was to pass this off as a robbery gone wrong.”
—Vivek Syiem, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills
A Premeditated Plot
Raja and Sonam were reported missing last month while on their honeymoon. Raja’s body was discovered earlier this month, prompting an intensified search for Sonam. Kushwaha was arrested on Sunday, and Sonam subsequently surrendered to police in Uttar Pradesh.
Police believe Sonam traveled with jewelry, and encouraged her husband to do the same, with the intention of creating the illusion of a robbery. The couple had not booked return flight tickets and initially planned to visit a temple in Guwahati before changing their destination to Meghalaya.
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, approximately 2.5 million violent crimes occur each year in the United States, highlighting the prevalence of such incidents globally. (Bureau of Justice Statistics)
A Pattern of Deception
Authorities are investigating a possible connection to a previous disappearance in the area. A Hungarian tourist went missing in March and was later found dead in a gorge, potentially influencing the choice of location for Raja’s murder. The couple reportedly chose the location due to a recent incident where a tourist died after a fall.
In April, the body of a Hungarian tourist, missing since March 29th after checking into a Shillong hotel, was found on a steep slope in the East Khasi Hills district.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the full extent of the conspiracy and the motives behind this calculated act of violence. The case underscores the complexities of modern crime and the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal their actions.