Police in India have taken into custody Sonam Raghuvanshi, a 25-year-old woman, who has been accused of orchestrating the murder of her husband, 30-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in the northeastern state of Meghalaya.

The arrest follows a week-long search for both individuals after Raja was reported missing alongside Sonam on May 24, shortly after their arrival in the region.

The two had married on May 11 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in a union arranged by their families.

According to family members, the couple had chosen Meghalaya for its scenic beauty, with Raja's brother expressing their excitement for the trip prior to the tragic events.

After the couple went missing, local police, disaster relief teams, and volunteers conducted extensive search operations in challenging weather conditions.

Rain and low visibility were cited as significant hindrances during the rescue efforts.

A week later, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered in a gorge, bearing signs of severe violence, including a slit throat.

His personal belongings, including a wallet, a gold ring, and a chain, were reported missing.

Initially, both families feared that Sonam had been abducted or killed, launching a public campaign for justice and demanding a thorough investigation from federal authorities.

They met influential political leaders and wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek intervention in the case.

On Monday, Meghalaya’s Director General of Police, Idashisha Nongrang, confirmed that Sonam surrendered at a police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.

Alongside her, three other suspects from Madhya Pradesh were apprehended in connection with the case.

Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem identified Sonam as the primary suspect but refrained from disclosing a motive for the murder.

He noted that further investigations could elucidate her potential connections with the arrested individuals, particularly regarding allegations of an extramarital relationship.

Sonam's father, Devi Singh, has vocally defended her innocence, asserting that she managed to escape her captors before surrendering.

He has criticized the police investigation as misguided and has called for the intervention of Home Minister Amit Shah for an inquiry into the matter.

Raja’s family members had expressed their suspicion of potential negligence by local authorities during the search, though following Sonam's arrest, some have expressed a shift in their perspective regarding the police's role in the case.

The incident has drawn significant media attention, highlighting issues of safety, investigative practices, and the complexities surrounding arranged marriages in India.