SHILLONG — In a major development in the high-profile 2025 honeymoon murder case, key accused Sonam Raghuvanshi surrendered before a trial court in Shillong after the Supreme Court set aside her bail. Following her appearance before the court, she was remanded to judicial custody, according to East Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem.
The surrender follows a July 23 verdict by an apex court bench comprising Justices M. M. Sundresh and P. B. Varale, which overturned a Meghalaya High Court ruling that had allowed her enlargement on bail. The Supreme Court directed Sonam to turn herself in within three weeks, emphasizing that her freedom at this stage could compromise the integrity of the trial.
The Background of the Case
Sonam, a resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested in June 2025 following the murder of her husband, businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. The couple had traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon when they went missing in the scenic Sohra (Cherrapunji) region on May 23, 2025.
Ten days later, on June 2, local authorities recovered Raja’s body from a deep gorge. Investigators alleged that Sonam conspired with her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, and hired contract killers to execute the murder during the trip, aiming to secure financial gain.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Ruling
A trial court initially granted bail to Sonam on April 27, 2025, a decision upheld by the Meghalaya High Court on June 29 despite a formal challenge by state prosecutors. Unsatisfied with the High Court's dismissal, the Meghalaya government carried the appeal to the Supreme Court.
While revoking her bail, the apex court bench stated that Sonam retains the liberty to move a fresh bail application if the trial fails to proceed and conclude within six months. The trial is now expected to proceed under close judicial observation in Shillong.
