In a shocking murder case from Meghalaya, Sonam Raghuvanshi has been accused of paying ₹20 lakh to contract killers to murder her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi. The incident has not only shocked the quiet town of Shillong but also grabbed the nation’s attention for its brutality and betrayal. According to the Meghalaya Police, this was not a crime of passion, but a cold-blooded, planned murder carried out for money and personal gain.
Raja Raghuvanshi, a 45-year-old businessman, was known to be well-mannered, respectful, and socially active. He had been living in Shillong for several years and had a good reputation. He and Sonam had been married for nearly a decade, but reports suggest their marriage was troubled behind closed doors. Frequent arguments, financial issues, and emotional distance may have played a role in the tragic event that followed.
Raja’s body was discovered on the outskirts of Shillong, near a remote area in Mawphlang. He had suffered multiple stab wounds and blunt force injuries, making it clear that he had been attacked by more than one person. At first, police considered robbery as a motive, but when nothing was stolen, they started suspecting personal enmity or conspiracy.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to dig deeper into the case. They used CCTV footage, phone records, financial transaction history, and digital surveillance to trace the suspects. Soon, they discovered that Raja was called to the location by someone posing as a business contact. That number was later linked to one of the accused killers.
Sonam’s behavior after her husband’s death was described as suspicious and cold. During interrogation, she gave conflicting statements and appeared more anxious than sad. Police also found that Sonam had recently withdrawn ₹20 lakh from a joint bank account, which had gone unaccounted for. Eventually, the trail led to two men who later confessed to the crime.
The two accused men admitted that Sonam hired them to kill her husband and paid them ₹20 lakh in cash. They explained that they had lured Raja to a fake business meeting and attacked him brutally before dumping the body in a secluded area. The evidence, phone logs, and money trail all pointed directly to Sonam’s involvement.
As of now, police believe the murder was motivated by multiple factors. The primary motive appears to be financial gain, as Raja reportedly owned valuable properties, investments, and assets. Sonam may have wanted full control over their wealth. There are also unconfirmed reports of Sonam having an extramarital affair, which is being investigated as a possible secondary motive. Lastly, their strained relationship and frequent fights may have contributed to her decision to eliminate her husband.
Experts have labeled this case an example of “intimate partner homicide”, where one spouse kills the other out of greed, control, or emotional stress. A criminal psychologist commented that the case shows “how deadly unresolved domestic issues can become.” The level of planning and emotionless execution has shocked investigators and the public alike.
All three accused — Sonam Raghuvanshi and the two contract killers — have been arrested and charged under Section 302 (murder) and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. They have been remanded to police custody, and the case is now headed for trial. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on how the court views the gravity of the crime.
The case has drawn national media attention. News channels and social media platforms are buzzing with discussions about betrayal, greed, and the breakdown of trust in modern relationships. Hashtags like #JusticeForRaja and #SonamRaghuvanshi are trending as people express shock, anger, and sympathy for the victim’s family.
This horrifying crime also serves as a wake-up call for society. It highlights the importance of mental health awareness, emotional support, and early intervention in troubled marriages. Experts suggest that couples facing serious conflicts should seek counseling instead of allowing anger and frustration to grow unchecked.
The Meghalaya Police have advised the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or threats of violence, even from within the family. They also emphasized the importance of financial transparency between spouses and suggested legal help if one feels unsafe or threatened in a relationship.
The case is now at a critical legal stage. Police are preparing a detailed chargesheet, and the trial will begin soon. The prosecution is expected to demand strict punishment, while the defense will likely try to downplay Sonam’s involvement or present her as emotionally disturbed. The nation watches closely as the court decides the fate of those involved.
The Meghalaya murder case involving Sonam Raghuvanshi is not just a crime story — it’s a lesson in human psychology, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked emotions. A wife, once a partner in life, allegedly became a planner of her husband’s death, driven by greed and personal conflict. The case highlights the urgent need for better awareness of domestic issues and a strong legal system to handle such crimes with the seriousness they deserve.
