The emotional confrontation between the mothers of murder victim Raja Raghuvanshi and accused Raj Kushwaha on India Today laid bare the human toll of the shocking honeymoon murder case that continues to grip the nation.
Chunni Devi, mother of Raj Kushwaha — believed to be the co-conspirator and Sonam's alleged lover — pleaded for compassion, highlighting the devastation the case has brought to both families. Her appeal was raw and deeply personal:
“Who do I have left? My son is my only support. You have other sons and a husband. Please, show some mercy. He didn’t do anything.”
But her plea was met with unwavering resolve from Uma Raghuvanshi, mother of the murdered groom, Raja. Uma made it clear that her former daughter-in-law Sonam had been disowned the moment she was implicated in her son’s death:
“What kind of woman kills her own husband? The moment she was named, she ceased to be part of my family. Raj had a choice — if he backed out, he’d still be with you, and my son would still be alive.”
Their exchange underscores the emotional complexity and irreversible consequences of the crime. On one side is a grieving mother demanding justice; on the other is a desperate mother trying to defend her only surviving pillar.
Background of the Case
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Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam had been married only 12 days before travelling to Meghalaya for their honeymoon.
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They checked out of a homestay in Nongriat on May 23.
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Raja’s body was discovered on June 2, about 20 km from the homestay in a deep gorge.
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Investigation revealed a chilling murder plot: Sonam allegedly hired three men to kill Raja — Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi, all believed to be connected through Raj Kushwaha, her suspected lover.
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Police say Sonam told Raj:
“If they fail, I’ll push him off myself while clicking a photo.”
Where Things Stand
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All five accused are now in police custody.
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Raja’s autopsy showed sharp force trauma to the head, consistent with a deliberate, premeditated killing.
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Sonam surrendered on June 8 in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, following the arrest of the hired killers and Raj.
Public Response
The case has shocked the country, with many calling for swift justice and harshest punishment. The emotional fallout, especially the mothers' confrontation, has highlighted the human suffering behind the headlines — two families torn apart in different but irreversible ways.
For now, the Meghalaya Police investigation continues, but the public narrative is increasingly focused not just on facts, but on betrayal, grief, and the cry for justice from a mother who lost her son to an unfathomable crime.
