Murder in the Hills: The Honeymoon That Ended in Horror

What should have been the joyful start of a new life ended in death and deception in the misty hills of Shillong, India.

On May 20, businessman Raja Raghuvanshi arrived in the scenic city for his honeymoon with his new wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi. Days later, he was found dead — his body decomposing in a remote canyon, stripped of identification, wedding ring, and life.

At first, police suspected Raj Kushwaha, Sonam’s alleged lover. But as investigators dug deeper, a far darker truth surfaced: Sonam herself had orchestrated the murder.

According to authorities, Sonam manipulated Raj with promises of love and persuaded him to help kill her husband. She enlisted three more accomplices — Vishal Singh, Anand Kurmi, and Akash Rajput — luring them with money and false affection.

Police believe Sonam tracked her husband’s movements during the trip, guiding the killers to his location. Raja was likely ambushed and pushed into a deep gorge between May 23 and 24.

After the murder, Raj returned to Indore, expecting to reunite with Sonam — only to be betrayed again. Investigators say she was secretly involved with yet another man and intended to have Raj killed next.

When police traced her phone records, the web of lies unraveled. Sonam was arrested on June 8 and later confessed.

What began as a honeymoon ended as a chilling saga of love, greed, and manipulation — a haunting reminder that sometimes the most dangerous vows are the ones whispered in devotion.