Mangalsutra Clue Cracks Honeymoon Murder Mystery

In a chilling twist to what began as a honeymoon trip, the murder of Indore man Raja Raghuvanshi has shocked the country — and it was a symbolic ornament, a mangalsutra, that gave police their first real clue.

Raja had traveled to Meghalaya with his wife Sonam for their honeymoon following their May 11 wedding. But on May 23, both disappeared after checking out from a homestay in Nongriat village. Days later, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge, 20 km away.

As investigators combed through the couple’s room, they found something suspicious — Sonam’s mangalsutra and a ring left behind in a suitcase. Meghalaya Deputy Inspector General DNR Marak said, “Why would a newly married woman leave behind her mangalsutra, especially during a honeymoon? That was our first red flag.”

The suspicion soon turned into a murder probe, revealing that Sonam allegedly conspired with her lover and three hired killers to murder her husband.

According to the police, on May 23, Sonam lured Raja out of their homestay under the pretense of taking scenic photographs. She stopped their scooter at an isolated spot, walked ahead pretending to take photos, and signaled the contract killers — who were waiting nearby. They ambushed and killed Raja. His body was then transported and dumped into a gorge in Mawlakhiat.

Police said Sonam actively helped in disposing of the body. She then fled the state and eventually surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.

The accused include Raj Kushwaha, 20, who worked as an accountant at Sonam’s family’s business and is believed to have been in a relationship with her. Three other men — Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi — were arrested in connection with the murder. All have reportedly confessed.

Investigators also recovered only one out of four mobile phones owned by Raja and Sonam, with a search underway for the remaining three.

While the full motive is still under investigation, family members have started speaking out. Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, told NDTV, “I once spoke to Sonam, not knowing she would end up killing my son. I believe her family knew about her relationship with Raj.”

Meanwhile, Raj’s mother denied any romantic involvement between her son and Sonam.

The case continues to unfold, with the police digging deeper into the relationships, motives, and timeline that led to the gruesome crime.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.