India – A woman who vanished after her husband was found dead during their honeymoon in India has been taken into police custody after surrendering voluntarily. Sonam Raghuvanshi, 25, stands accused of orchestrating the murder of her 30-year-old husband Raja Raghuvanshi, police say. Four other men have also been arrested in connection with the case.
The couple, from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, had married on 11 May in a ceremony attended by both families. Raja’s brother Vipin Raghuvanshi described the union as an arranged marriage made just four months earlier. “They were both happy, and there were no fights before or after the marriage,” he told the media.
The newlyweds had chosen Meghalaya, a picturesque state in India’s northeast known for its misty hills and lush valleys, as their honeymoon destination. They left for the trip on 20 May, but just four days later, both Sonam and Raja disappeared.
Search teams including police and local volunteers combed the rugged terrain, facing heavy rain and poor visibility. Videos showed rescuers rappelling down steep cliffs in the valleys. A week after their disappearance, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge, with his throat slit. His wallet, gold ring, and chain were missing. Sonam remained unaccounted for.
Families of the couple launched a vigorous campaign, accusing local police of neglecting the investigation and demanding a federal inquiry. They petitioned influential community leaders and government ministers, even appealing directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for justice.
On Monday morning, Meghalaya police chief Idashisha Nongrang announced that Sonam had surrendered at a police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Three other suspects, all from Madhya Pradesh, were arrested in overnight raids. “One person was picked up from Uttar Pradesh and another two accused were apprehended from Indore,” Nongrang said.
The police have yet to disclose a motive and continue questioning those detained.
Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, defended his daughter’s innocence. Speaking to ANI news agency, he said she had reached a roadside eatery in Ghazipur the previous night, borrowed a phone, and called her brother, who alerted the police. “I have not spoken to her yet, but I believe she has somehow escaped her captors,” he said. Mr Singh accused Meghalaya police of spreading falsehoods and called on Home Minister Amit Shah to order a federal investigation.
Raja’s brother Vipin initially said he would not believe Sonam was involved unless she confessed. However, after learning one arrested man worked in Sonam’s office, he said, “Only Sonam can clarify. If she’s guilty, she should be punished.” He added, “I now believe the Meghalaya government was telling the truth.”
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma praised the police’s “major breakthrough” in just seven days. Minister Alexander Laloo Hek also defended the state authorities and residents, saying they had been unfairly blamed during the search. “The truth has come out,” he said.
The case continues to draw national attention as investigators piece together the events that led to this tragic and mysterious death.
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