The Meghalaya Police has intensified its investigation into the murder of 30-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed during a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya earlier this year. On Wednesday, a three-member police team visited Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to record statements and gather further evidence in the case.
The visit focused on questioning the family of the prime accused, Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raja’s wife, who is currently in custody along with five others in connection with the case.
Family of Accused Cooperates with Police
Sonam’s brother, Govind Raghuvanshi, confirmed that the police visited their home and spoke with both him and their mother. He said the family was fully cooperating with the investigation.
“We have already told the police the truth. If they have any doubts, they are free to investigate. I am in Indore with my family and I support the demand for a narco test. I was called to Shillong for questioning, but there has been no follow-up yet,” Govind told reporters.
Police Inspect Flat Where Sonam Allegedly Hid
Later in the evening, the same police team inspected a flat in Indore’s Dewas Naka area, where Sonam is believed to have stayed in hiding after returning from Meghalaya following Raja’s murder. According to sources, the flat was almost empty, containing only a few utensils. Officers did not find any major evidence during the inspection, but the visit was important for tracking Sonam’s post-crime movements.
Victim’s Family Also Questioned
A day before the visit to Sonam’s home, the Meghalaya Police team had visited Raja Raghuvanshi’s family residence in Sahakarnagar, Indore. There, they met his mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, and brothers, Vipin and Sachin. The officers questioned them about Sonam’s behavior and how long she had stayed with them after the wedding.
“They stayed for about half an hour. They asked how long Sonam lived with us and what her behavior was like during that time,” said Raja’s elder brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi.
Details of the Murder: A Honeymoon Turns Tragic
Investigators believe that Raja was brutally killed with a machete, referred to locally as a dao, by Vishal Singh Chauhan, one of the three alleged contract killers hired to carry out the murder. According to police reports, Sonam was present during the attack and fled when Raja began screaming and bleeding, only returning after he had died from multiple blows.
The gruesome crime took place near the remote and scenic Wei Sawdong Falls in Meghalaya- an isolated location allegedly chosen to ensure no witnesses.
Conspiracy and Key Suspects
Police have identified a total of six accused in the case, including Sonam. They say she conspired with her alleged boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, who is believed to have arranged for the killers- Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi.
Authorities have recovered key pieces of evidence from the gorge where Raja’s body was found, including a second machete and a bloodstained white shirt believed to have been worn by Akash Rajput during the attack
Raj Kushwaha’s Grandmother Dies of Shock
In a tragic aftermath, Raj Kushwaha’s grandmother reportedly died from shock after learning about his arrest and the details of his alleged involvement in the murder plot. According to sources close to the family, the elderly woman had been in fragile health and was unable to cope with the sudden and horrifying revelations.
Family members described her as being deeply attached to Raj, and her death has added another emotional dimension to the already disturbing case.
No Transfer of Accused to Indore Yet
While the investigation has expanded to Indore, the six arrested suspects remain in police custody in Meghalaya. According to officials, legal and logistical procedures have delayed their transfer for further interrogation in Madhya Pradesh.
Investigation Continues Amid Public Shock
The case has stunned the public due to the brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of close personal relationships. Authorities are still probing possible motives behind the murder, including strained relations, infidelity, and financial disputes.
As the investigation progresses, both Raja’s and Sonam’s families remain under scrutiny. Police are expected to continue questioning relatives and collecting evidence in both Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh in the coming days.
