The murder of Indore transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi could have been avoided—if only Sonam Raghuvanshi’s father, Devi Singh, had listened to his daughter’s repeated refusal to marry him. This is the chilling conclusion emerging from the ongoing investigation by Meghalaya Police, who are unraveling the events that led to a cold-blooded killing masked as a forced marriage.
According to investigators, Sonam had categorically refused the match with Raja. She had confided in her mother, asking for support. But her father reportedly insisted that she would marry only by his will. As per sources, he even threatened suicide when she continued to object.
Sonam ultimately agreed—reluctantly—but told her mother she would never be happy. She warned them: “I will end this relationship in a way the world will remember.” Eleven days before her May 11 wedding, Sonam and her lover Raj Kushwaha had already begun planning Raja’s murder.
Conflicted Household, Silent Neighborhood
Meghalaya Police, now stationed in Indore since June 17, have spoken to over ten people so far. Neighbors confirmed hearing frequent arguments from Sonam’s home after the engagement was announced, but dismissed it as a “family matter.”
Sonam’s brother Govind had reportedly approved of Raja and convinced their father to go ahead with the marriage, based on horoscope matching. But Sonam wanted no part of it. She told her family she wished to assist Govind in business instead.
When Bhaskar tried to reach Devi Singh and Govind for comment, neither responded.
The Hidden Affair and Murder Plot
What Sonam never revealed was her relationship with Raj Kushwah, a man her family only knew as a worker in their business. Even her mother was unaware. The police later learned that the affair had been kept secret, and Raj was deeply involved in the murder conspiracy.
On June 8, Raj and his associates were arrested from Indore. Govind told police he had no idea about the affair and had considered Raj nothing more than an employee.
3 Days of Focused Investigation in Indore
Day 1 (June 17): The team questioned Raja’s family — his mother Uma and brothers Sachin and Vipin — and visited the flat near Devash Naka where Sonam stayed after the murder.
Day 2 (June 18): Sonam’s home was searched, and her family interrogated again. Officers visited Govind’s office and godown and collected documents. They later spoke to Raj’s relatives at his home.
Day 3 (June 19): Several individuals were summoned to the Indore Crime Branch. Govind brought three employees, including two women, all of whom were questioned for several hours.
Police Track Down the Getaway Driver
The taxi driver Piyush, who drove Sonam from Indore to Uttar Pradesh after the crime, was also located and interrogated. When approached by Bhaskar, he declined to speak, stating only: “I’ve already told the police everything.”
A Tragic End, Rooted in Silence
What began as a case of forced marriage ended in a brutal crime that could have been prevented. The signs were there—pleas from a daughter, tension within the home, warnings ignored. But instead of listening, the family silenced her voice. The result was not just a broken marriage, but a life lost.
