In a major breakthrough in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, the Meghalaya Police team on Tuesday traced a rented flat in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where the main accused and wife of the deceased, Sonam, is believed to have taken shelter after allegedly orchestrating the murder of her husband during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The hideout was located in the Dewas Naka area of Indore, following credible inputs received by police. Local officials confirmed that the Meghalaya team inspected the premises and gathered initial evidence linking Sonam to the flat, rented soon after the crime. “We received information that after the murder, Sonam stayed here briefly before travelling to Uttar Pradesh, where she was later arrested,” a local police officer told PTI.
According to sources, the flat was rented on May 30 by one of the accused, Vishal Chauhan, for ₹17,000 per month. Shilom James, a local businessman and owner of a property management company, confirmed that Chauhan was the tenant. Sonam is believed to have arrived at the flat shortly after the alleged murder of her husband and remained there in hiding before fleeing to UP.The case shocked the country when Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed from Uttar Pradesh, was found murdered and mutilated in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunji) on June 2. Investigations later revealed the crime took place on May 23, during the couple’s honeymoon in the scenic East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Following an intense probe, police arrested Sonam, her alleged lover Raj Kushwah (20), and three accomplices — Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi. Authorities say the group lured Raja to a remote location under the pretext of sightseeing and murdered him before disposing of his body.
With connections now confirmed in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya Police have expanded the investigation. The team is expected to visit other addresses linked to Sonam and her co-accused to question family members and gather additional evidence regarding the planning and motive. Officials believe this could help unravel the full conspiracy behind the brutal killing. “We are coordinating closely with MP and UP Police to ensure all angles are investigated thoroughly,” said a senior officer from Meghalaya.