Wife in Honeymoon Murder Case Surrenders; Four Arrested in India

NEW DELHI, India – A woman, who was missing after her husband was found murdered during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, has surrendered and been arrested, police say. Authorities allege that Sonam Raghuvanshi, 25, hired killers to murder her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, 30.

Raja’s body was discovered on June 2, more than a week after the couple went missing on May 23. Initially, both families feared that Sonam had also been abducted, prompting extensive search efforts in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills.

According to police, Sonam surrendered at a police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on the morning of June 5. She was reportedly located after calling her brother from a local eatery.

Meghalaya’s Director General of Police, I Nongrang, confirmed that along with Sonam’s arrest, three additional suspects were apprehended. These individuals are believed to have been hired by Sonam to carry out the murder.

Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, has publicly defended her, insisting that she is innocent and accusing the police of fabricating evidence. He called for a federal inquiry into the case, expressing concern over the handling of the investigation.

The couple’s families originally campaigned heavily for a CBI investigation, claiming they did not believe the Meghalaya police were doing enough. During their honeymoon, the couple was last seen near popular sightseeing locations before they disappeared, which led to a massive search effort involving both local authorities and community members.

Police found Raja’s decomposed body in a gorge, with evidence indicating foul play. Reports specify that his wallet, a gold ring, and a chain were missing, raising further suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Raja and Sonam were originally married on May 11 in a ceremony that included both families. His brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, initially supported Sonam but now acknowledges that one of the accomplices worked with her. He stated, “Only Sonam can clarify if she’s guilty.”

The investigation continues as police seek details about the motives behind the alleged murder.