Indian bride accused of killing husband on honeymoon nabbed

International

A WOMAN who disappeared following the brutal murder of her husband during their honeymoon has surrendered and is now in police custody, Indian authorities confirmed on Monday.

Sonam Raghuvanshi, 25, had gone missing after the killing of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, 30, triggering fears of her own abduction or death.

A report by BBC stated that the couple, both from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, had traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon.

Their sudden disappearance led to a nationwide campaign by their families, who pushed for the case to be taken over by federal investigators. They sought help from caste leaders, state ministers, and even wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding justice and assistance in locating Sonam.

On Monday, Meghalaya Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang announced that Sonam had surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district. She was taken into custody and is now a central figure in the investigation.

Three other suspects, all reportedly from Madhya Pradesh, were arrested in overnight operations—two from Indore and one from Uttar Pradesh. A fourth suspect was apprehended in Meghalaya earlier the same morning.

At a press briefing, Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem identified Sonam as the prime suspect in her husband’s murder.

When asked about a possible extramarital affair as a motive, Syiem said, “If you join the dots, then it would seem like it,” though he emphasized that more details would emerge only after questioning.

Authorities alleged that Sonam orchestrated her husband’s murder by hiring contract killers. All four arrested men are believed to be connected to the crime.

Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, has strongly defended his daughter, claiming she is innocent and accusing Meghalaya police of fabricating the case. He appealed to Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate a federal inquiry to uncover what he believes is the real story.

According to Singh, Sonam surfaced at a roadside dhaba in Ghazipur, where she borrowed a phone to contact her brother. The family claims she managed to escape her captors and insisted she had no role in the crime.

The couple had married on May 11 in Indore, and according to family members, had a harmonious relationship.

“There were no fights before or after the wedding,” said Raja’s brother Vipin Raghuvanshi.

They left for their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 20, but by May 24, both were reported missing. Search and rescue teams combed the rugged terrain in difficult weather conditions.

About a week later, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge. His throat had been slit and personal belongings, including his wallet, ring, and chain, were missing. Sonam was nowhere to be found, intensifying speculation and suspicion.(Cristy Mae Montallana, PIT Comm Intern)