Shillong, June 9: Based on the details reported so far, it appears to be a case of contract killing — or at the very least, a premeditated murder allegedly orchestrated by the wife, Sonam, during what was supposed to be a honeymoon trip.

Here’s why it strongly points to a contract killing:

Multiple assailants were involved, and they were allegedly hired by the wife.

According to the police, the arrested men confessed that they were recruited by Sonam to kill her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi.

The victim was lured to an isolated location — a gorge in the Sohra area — which would have made it easier to carry out the murder without witnesses.

The discovery of missing valuables like a gold ring and chain, and a bloodstained machete, suggests planned violence, potentially with a motive to stage the scene as a robbery.

Albert Pde, a tourist guide had seen the couple with three men, not locals, shortly before they vanished — further corroborating the presence of external accomplices.

The swift surrender of Sonam in Uttar Pradesh and her family’s claim that she was abducted seem inconsistent with the police investigation, which places her at the centre of the conspiracy.

However, further investigation will be crucial to:

Establish motive (e.g. financial gain, personal issues, etc.)

Confirm whether Sonam acted alone in planning this or if others were involved in the decision-making.

Determine why the murder was staged during the honeymoon, which adds a disturbing  element of betrayal and timing.