Beneath the Falls: How a Wife, Her Lover, and Three Hitmen Turned a Honeymoon Into a Murder Scene

The waterfalls of Cherrapunji, once symbols of romance and serenity, are now haunted by the echoes of betrayal and murder. A young man from Indore, on his honeymoon, was pushed to his death in what police are calling one of the most premeditated crimes in recent memory. At the heart of this chilling plot were five people: the victim’s wife, her secret lover, and three hired killers.

The Disappearance and Discovery

Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old entrepreneur, had just married Sonam in early May 2025. They left for their honeymoon soon after and arrived in Meghalaya on May 22. On May 24, Raja went missing. His body was found only on June 2, decomposing in a gorge near Wei-Sawdong Falls.

Meghalaya Police initially suspected a trekking accident. But inconsistencies quickly emerged. Raja’s personal items—his wallet, luggage, and ID—were still untouched at the homestay. Something didn’t add up.

Who is Sanjay Verma?

The investigation took a dramatic turn when police examined Sonam’s phone. They found frequent, long-duration calls to a contact named “Sanjay Verma.” These weren’t casual chats—they were secret communications with her lover, Raj Kushwaha.

Raj, five years younger than Sonam, had worked in her brother’s factory. The two began an affair months earlier. Even after her wedding, the romance continued. Sonam allegedly plotted with Raj to eliminate her husband and begin a new life together.

The Plan in Motion

Raj didn’t act alone. He recruited three men—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Patel—to travel to Meghalaya and pose as fellow tourists. A local guide saw them hiking with Sonam and Raja on May 23, confirming their presence.

As per police reports, Raja was struck with a blunt object and pushed over a cliff. Forensics later confirmed blood traces on a dao recovered from the crime scene. CCTV footage of the couple before the hike placed Sonam at the scene in the same outfit that was later abandoned near the falls.

The Arrests and Confession

On June 9, Sonam was tracked down in Ghazipur. She initially denied wrongdoing but reportedly broke down during interrogation. Police say she confessed to coordinating with Raj, arranging the killers’ travel, and watching as her husband was murdered.

Raj and the three hitmen were arrested in Madhya Pradesh. All four admitted involvement and are now in judicial custody. The case is being handled by a Special Investigation Team and the trial is expected soon.

A Nation Reacts

The murder has triggered outrage across the country. “A honeymoon is supposed to be the beginning of a shared life,” said a senior police officer. “In this case, it became the carefully chosen setting for an execution.”

Psychologists warn that intimate partner murders are on the rise, with social media and secret communication enabling extramarital affairs to flourish undetected. The case has also prompted discussions about background checks before marriage and emotional readiness in arranged unions.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation enters its final phase, the case has become more than a local tragedy—it is now a symbol of modern-day betrayal, where love, if twisted by obsession and greed, can turn fatal.

For Raja’s family, justice is the only closure they seek. For the public, this is a cautionary tale about trust, hidden intentions, and how even the most sacred relationships can harbor dangerous secrets.