2 machetes, 3 blows: The shocking new revelations in Raja Raghuvanshi murder case

The Meghalaya Police have recovered a second machete linked to the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi.

Notably, Raja was killed in a parking area close to Weisawdong Falls. His body was later thrown into a nearby gorge in the Sohra region of East Khasi Hills on May 23.

The police have arrested Sonam, her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha, and three contract killers in connection with the murder.

ALSO READ | Honeymoon murder: Did Sonam's family force her to marry Raja Raghuvanshi?

Where exactly was the second machete found? And how were the weapons used in the killing of Raja Raghuvanshi?

Here’s a look at the answers:

Meghalaya honeymoon murder: How second machete was recovered

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Meghalaya Police on Tuesday reconstructed the murder scene of Raja Raghuvanshi as part of their ongoing probe.

The reconstruction took place in Sohra with the accused Sonam Raghuvanshi and three others present at the spot.

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Vivek Syiem, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, said it helped the police get a much clearer understanding of what happened.

It was during this reconstruction that the team recovered another machete used in Raja’s killing.

“This has given us a clearer picture of what transpired. The second machete used in the murder has also been recovered by the SDRF,” he said.

VIDEO | Sohra, Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem shares an update on the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case:

“We have conducted a crime scene recreation, during which the accused reenacted their actions. This has given us a clearer picture of what transpired. The second… pic.twitter.com/FmkOZLEhpZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2025

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He also confirmed that a police team is in Indore to question a few people and see if anyone might have had something to gain from Raja’s death.

So, how was Raja attacked?

According to Syiem, three blows were made: first by Vishal, the second by Anand and the final one by Akash.

The first blow came from behind, while Sonam stood in front of Raja. It was a strong strike, made with both hands. Anand then hit him next, followed by Akash’s final blow. Raja was taken by surprise and died as a result of the injuries.

Syiem said the police have also figured out what happened to Raja’s mobile phone. It was first damaged by Sonam and then by Vishal. “This whole thing was played out, and also their exit from here,” he said.

#WATCH | On crime scene recreation in Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, SP East Khasi Hills Vivek Syiem says, "We have ascertained that the victim was hit with the weapon...The first hit was by Vishal aka Vicky...When Raja was hit and blood came out, Sonam moved away from the spot.… pic.twitter.com/QJEr4zTvlQ

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2025

When Raja started bleeding, Sonam moved away. The three others then dumped his body into the gorge, he added.

ALSO READ | Did Sonam's family force her to marry Raja Raghuvanshi?

Did Sonam run away after her husband was hit?

According to the police, Sonam Raghuvanshi ran away after Vishal struck her newly-wed husband with a machete for the first time.

She left the scene as Raja began to bleed and scream in pain. She returned only after he had died following multiple blows, NDTV reported, quoting police sources.

“When he started bleeding and screaming, Sonam ran away. Vishal and the other hitmen continued to attack Raja with the machete," a police officer said.

The Meghalaya Police recreated the crime scene by taking the accused, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, to the spot where Raja’s body was found on June 2.

All about the Sonam-Raja Raghuvanshi case

Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and Sonam had married on May 11 in Indore. They were reported missing during their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 23.

On June 2, Raja’s body was found in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunji), located in the East Khasi Hills district.

Sonam, who was initially reported missing, turned up in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in the early hours of June 9. She was arrested later.

Those arrested along with her include Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi. Raj Singh Kushwaha (21), who is said to have planned the murder, was arrested later.

After being taken into custody, Sonam told police she had been drugged, kidnapped, and left in Ghazipur. But the police said she had surrendered.

All the accused were handed over to Meghalaya Police, who are looking into other angles in the case.

Later, while in custody, Sonam confessed to her role in Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder.

Police also said her cousin, Jitendra Raghuvanshi, had paid the first instalment to the three hitmen.

Sonam’s brother, Govind, said the family had cut all ties with her. He also said they stood with Raja’s family and would help them seek justice in the case, which has shocked people across the country.

With inputs from agencies