'Such Instances Rising': Solicitor General Cites Ketan Agarwal Death While Opposing Bail In Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case

During the hearing of the Meghalaya State's challenge to the bail of Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime suspect in the chilling 'honeymoon murder' of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta today cited Ketan Agarwal death case before the Supreme Court.

The SG, appearing for the State of Meghalaya, stated that facts of the Raja Raghuvanshi case would shock the Court's conscience and the same were "really painful". Referring to the recent Lohagad Fort case related to the death of 26 year old Ketan Agarwal, who is alleged to have been killed by his fiancé Siya Goyal and her "lover" Chetan Chaudhary, the SG lamented that "such incidents are increasing".

Responding to the submission on Raja Raghuvanshi's death case, Justice MM Sundresh said that some introspection is required by different stakeholders. The judge also drew the SG's attention to a recent judgment by the Court in a "sensational case from Bengaluru", while refusing to comment any further.

In response to the SG's remark that such incidents are rising, Justice Sundresh said, "we don't want to say anything".

A partial Court working days bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu was dealing with Meghalaya government's challenge to the High Court order granting bail to Sonam Raghuvanshi. After hearing SG Mehta and the accused's counsel, the bench expressed that it had some reservations about the High Court order but refused to stay it as the order had been given effect to.

Calling for Sonam Raghuvanshi's response, Justice Sundresh pointed out that bail was granted by the High Court based on an error in a section mentioned in the grounds of arrest supplied. The issue therefore was at what stage a plea contesting the error could be raised and further what prevented the authorities from arresting the accused subsequently?

The Honeymoon murder case

The crime came to light after the couple (Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi), who had tied the knot on May 12, 2025, went missing on May 23, while on their honeymoon in Meghalaya. They were last seen checking out of a homestay in Nongriat.

A few days later, their rented scooter was found abandoned near Sohrarim. Then, on June 2, around 10 days after their disappearance, Raja's body was discovered in a deep gorge near the Weisawdong Falls in East Khasi Hills.

His wife, accused-Sonam Raghuvanshi, who was missing till June 8, was found near a dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road. Later, the Meghalaya police stated that Sonam, along with 21-year-old Raj Kushwaha, was being considered one of the prime suspects in the murder of her husband. State Police have already filed a 700+ page chargesheet in the matter, claiming that murder was premeditated by Sonam and her alleged lover, Kushwaha.

The Lohagad fort case

On June 18, Ketan Agarwal died as a result of falling in a 350 ft gorge. Though his death was initially presumed to have been accidental, police investigation later pointed towards murder and criminal conspiracy involving Agarwal's fiancée Siya Goyal and her "lover" Chetan Chaudhary. The accused are currently under police custody.

Case Title: STATE OF MEGHALAYA v. SONAM RAGHUVANSHI @ BITTI @ BITTU | SLP(Crl) No. 11944/2026