SC urges Sonam Raghuvanshi to surrender in murder case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, suggested that Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, surrender and face trial, questioning her conduct in the case. A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale was hearing an appeal by the Meghalaya government challenging bail orders that have kept her out of custody.

The court presented two options to Sonam's lawyer: either the bench would decide the state's bail cancellation plea on its merits, or it would order Sonam to surrender while the trial proceeds, with a reconsideration of bail after key witnesses testify. Justice Sundresh indicated the second option might be preferable, advising the lawyer to obtain instructions from his client. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on Thursday, July 23.

Sonam Raghuvanshi and her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, were on their honeymoon in Meghalaya in May 2025 after marrying on May 12. The couple went missing after leaving a homestay in Nongriat on May 23. Raja's body was discovered in a deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls in the East Khasi Hills district on June 2, 2025. Sonam was located days later near a highway eatery...