Shillong (Meghalaya), June 12: The investigation into Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder in Meghalaya has taken a dramatic turn, with his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged lover Raj Singh Kushwaha accusing each other of plotting the crime.
The case began when Sonam and Raja, a couple from Indore, arrived at a homestay in Sohra on May 22 without a prior booking. Due to the unavailability of rooms, they left their suitcase behind, planning to trek to Nongriat village to visit the double-decker root bridge. They spent the night at a homestay in Nongriat and checked out early on May 23, trekking back to Sohra.
However, the trip took a deadly turn, and Raja’s body was later found. The police investigation revealed that Sonam’s Mangal sutra and ring were recovered from the suitcase they abandoned at the homestay in Sohra. According to the Director General of Police (DGP), I .Nongrang, the recovery of the Mangal sutra and ring provided a crucial clue, leading the police to suspect Sonam’s involvement in the crime.
The fact that a married woman would leave behind her ornaments was unusual and raised suspicions. The police believe that Sonam conspired with Raj Kushwaha to kill Raja, and Raj Kushwaha allegedly hired three men to carry out the murder. Sonam allegedly paid ₹20 lakh to contract killers after the murder.
As part of the ongoing investigation, code-named Operation Honeymoon, the police are set to reconstruct the entire episode behind the murder. The court has granted the police 8 days of custody for Sonam and her alleged accomplices, who are currently in police custody.
During questioning, a dramatic confrontation unfolded between prime accused Sonam and Raj Khuwsha, with both parties engaging in a heated exchange, each denying involvement in the plot. Sonam claimed that a group of men attempted to snatch her jewelry during the trip, and Raja died while trying to protect her. However, the police are not buying this story.
The police are working to unravel the mystery surrounding Raja’s death and gather evidence to build a strong case against the accused. Sonam’s family has also distanced themselves from her, with her brother stating that he is “100% sure” of her guilt.
With the police custody granted, the authorities are likely to piece together the events leading up to the crime and gather crucial evidence to bring the perpetrators to justice. The investigation is ongoing, with the police working to build a strong case against Sonam and her alleged accomplices.
