From Shillong to Ghazipur: Sonam Raghuvanshi’s 1 AM Dhaba Escape in Murder Case

Indore Murder Case: Sonam Raghuvanshi, a 24-year-old from Indore, embarked on a honeymoon with her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, to the scenic hills of Shillong, Meghalaya, on May 20, 2025. Their romantic getaway took a grim turn when Raja’s body was found hacked to death in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2. Initially presumed kidnapped, Sonam emerged as the prime suspect, accused of orchestrating her husband’s murder with hired killers. Her 17-day disappearance culminated in a dramatic appearance at a dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, at 1 AM on June 8, leaving investigators and the public baffled.

The Elusive Trail

For over two weeks, Sonam evaded a multi-state manhunt. Meghalaya Police, aided by a Special Investigation Team, tracked leads from a tourist guide’s sighting of Sonam with three men near Nongriat on May 23. CCTV footage and confessions from arrested accomplices pointed to a planned killing, possibly linked to an extramarital affair. Yet, Sonam’s movements remained a mystery. How she traveled 1,600 km from Shillong’s lush valleys to Ghazipur’s dusty roads without detection puzzled authorities, with no clear record of her journey.

The Midnight Dhaba Drama

At 1 AM on June 8, Sonam walked into Kashi Dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur road, disoriented and alone. In a pivotal moment, she made a video call to her brother Govind, revealing her location. The dhaba owner, sensing her distress, alerted the police via the emergency number 112. Within hours, Sonam surrendered at Nandganj police station, ending her 17-day flight. Police speculate she succumbed to the pressure of the relentless pursuit.

Unanswered Questions

Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, insists she’s innocent, demanding a CBI probe into the case. Raja’s family awaits her court testimony for closure. As Sonam prepares for transfer to Meghalaya, her late-night dhaba stop remains a haunting chapter in a case that blends love, betrayal, and a cross-country escape, gripping the nation’s attention.