Timeline of Terror: The Day of Raja Raghuvanshi's Alleged Murder Unveiled by Police
- byPranay Jain
- 11 Jun, 2025

The murder case of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, just days after his marriage to Sonam Raghuvanshi on May 11, has gripped the nation. The tragic story, stemming from what was supposed to be a joyous honeymoon, has now unfolded into a chilling account of alleged conspiracy and betrayal, according to police investigations.
Raja and Sonam departed for their honeymoon on May 20, a mere nine days after their wedding. Police sources indicate that the entire trip, including tickets and hotel bookings, was meticulously planned by Sonam and made in her name – a detail investigators believe laid the groundwork for the alleged murder plot.
Here's a detailed timeline of events on the day of Raja's murder, as pieced together by the police investigation:
May 23rd: The Day of the Crime
- 5:30 AM: Raja and Sonam checked out from Shipra Home Stay in Mawlakhiyat village, Shillong, where they had stayed on May 22. Simultaneously, three contract killers, allegedly hired by Sonam and her lover Raj Kushwaha, also checked out from a nearby location.
- 6:00 AM: Raja and Sonam began their ascent. Sonam reportedly lingered, waiting for the contract killers to catch up.
- During the ascent: Sonam engaged the killers in conversation under the pretense of asking for directions. She also facilitated a phone call between the killers and Raj Kushwaha.
- 7:00 AM: Sonam and Raja stopped at a shop for tea. The killers were observed to be in their vicinity at this time.
- 10:00 AM: Raja and Sonam had climbed approximately 2,000 stairs. A tourist guide later testified to seeing Sonam and Raja accompanied by three other men at this point.
- 12:00 PM: Raja seemingly befriended the killers. As the group continued, Sonam intentionally fell behind, allowing Raja to walk ahead with the three killers.
- 12:30 PM: Sonam called her mother-in-law, informing her about the strenuous climb and her and Raja's exhaustion.
- Around 2:00 PM: Sonam allegedly signaled the killers. Vishal, one of the accused killers, initiated the first attack on Raja.
- 2:15 PM: Sonam posted a message from Raja's phone, which alluded to "deep sorrow in this life." Following this, Raja's phone was reportedly thrown into a ditch.
- 2:30 PM: After the murder, Raja's body was allegedly thrown into the ditch.
The police investigation points towards a meticulously planned murder, orchestrated by Sonam and her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, with the involvement of hired contract killers.