Indore Businessman’s Murder: Chilling Conspiracy Unravelled Across States

What was supposed to be the beginning of a new life together ended in tragedy for Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, whose murder has shocked investigators and the public alike. As details unfold, police say the killing was the result of a calculated conspiracy that involved Raja’s own wife and close associates — a plan that spanned several states and took months to execute.

Meghalaya Police have identified Raj Kushwaha as the main conspirator behind the killing, with Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, now in custody for her role in the plot. Officers say the plan was hatched in Indore just weeks before the couple’s wedding and went through several failed attempts before the murder was finally carried out in Meghalaya.

Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem described the disturbing nature of the case. At one stage, the accused even considered murdering an unknown woman and burning the body to pose as Sonam—allowing her to vanish without raising suspicion. Another idea floated by the group was to stage Sonam’s death by faking a drowning incident.

Eventually, the group carried out the killing during the couple’s trip to Meghalaya. The final plan was executed in Meghalaya, where Sonam, Raj, and three others—including Raj’s cousin—travelled to Nongriat and then to Weisawdong Falls in Sohra. There, in a secluded parking area, Raja was attacked with a machete and killed by three of the accused while Sonam stood by. His body was later thrown into a nearby gorge.

After the killing, Sonam gave her raincoat to one of the attackers, Akash, to help conceal bloodstains on his clothes. The raincoat, which also became bloodied, was later discarded.

To assist Sonam in fleeing unnoticed, Raj arranged for a burqa to be delivered to her via another associate, Vishal Chauhan. Disguised, she travelled from Shillong back toward Indore. The original plan was for her to reappear in Siliguri, posing as a kidnapping victim. However, after Akash was arrested on June 8, Raj reportedly panicked and instructed Sonam to call her family, claiming she had escaped an abduction.

On June 9, Sonam emerged in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh—over 1,200 kilometers away—and surrendered to authorities. She was taken into custody soon after.

All primary accused are now under arrest, and the Meghalaya Police continue to probe deeper into what they describe as a “cold and calculated” murder.