In a shocking twist to what was meant to be a newlywed’s romantic getaway, Meghalaya Police on Saturday filed a detailed chargesheet in the murder case of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi — a crime that has stunned the nation.

Raja, 30, was killed just 12 days after his wedding, during a honeymoon trip to the picturesque hills of Sohra (Cherrapunjee). The accused: his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, and three hired killers. The motive, investigators say, was a cold and calculated plan to eliminate Raja so that Sonam could be with her lover.

The 790-page chargesheet, submitted to a court in Sohra, lays bare what the police call a “chilling conspiracy.” Filed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), it names five main accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder, criminal conspiracy, and abetment.

According to police, Sonam Raghuvanshi — who had married Raja on May 11 in Indore — was still in a relationship with Raj Kushwaha at the time of her wedding. The chargesheet alleges that the two began plotting Raja’s murder almost immediately after the ceremony, using the honeymoon trip as a cover.

On May 20, the newlyweds reached Shillong and then headed to Sohra. Unbeknownst to Raja, three contract killers — Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi — had already been hired by Kushwaha and were waiting.

After three failed attempts, the plan was finally carried out on May 23. While visiting the scenic Wei Sawdong Falls, Raja was attacked with machetes. Sonam, police say, was present at the scene. Raja’s body was dumped into a deep gorge and wasn’t discovered until June 2.

Just days after launching the investigation, the SIT arrested all five accused from different locations across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

* **May 11**: Raja marries Sonam in Indore.

* **May 20**: The couple travels to Shillong, then Sohra, for their honeymoon.

* **May 23**: Raja is murdered near Wei Sawdong Falls.

* **May 26**: The couple is reported missing.

* **May 31**: Police find their abandoned scooter near a dhaba.

* **June 2**: Raja’s body is discovered in a gorge.

* **June 8–11**: Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, and the three hired killers are arrested.

* **June 22–25**: Three others arrested for destroying evidence.

Three additional individuals — a property dealer, a flat owner, and a security guard — were arrested for allegedly helping to cover up the crime. They have since been granted bail.

Raja's family is devastated. His brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, has called for the harshest punishment for those responsible.

“We haven’t received the chargesheet yet, but I plan to go to Meghalaya and read it myself,” Vipin told ANI. “Sonam and the others should face the death penalty. This was not just a murder; it was betrayal in its cruelest form.”

He also accused Sonam’s brother, Govind, of turning his back on the family. “At first, he promised to support us and help get justice for Raja. But now, he’s ignoring my calls and is apparently in touch with Sonam in jail. He deceived us — just like his sister did.”

The case has gripped public attention not only for its brutality but also for the disturbing details — a young businessman killed by people he should have been able to trust the most, in a place known for peace and beauty.

As the case moves to trial, all eyes will be on the court’s response to the damning evidence laid out by the SIT — and on whether justice will be delivered for Raja Raghuvanshi.