In the latest development in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, the victim’s brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, has formally demanded a CBI investigation, following the leak of a phone call recording from jail. The audio, which has surfaced on social media, allegedly shows that Sonam, Raja’s wife and prime accused in the case, has remained in contact with her family despite being in custody.
Vipin claims the call proves that Sonam’s family is influencing the case and misleading investigators, even as some of the accused have already been granted bail.
Background: The Honeymoon Turned Tragic
Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old businessman from Indore, had married Sonam just days before they went on a honeymoon trip to Cherrapunji (Sohra), Meghalaya. On May 23, Raja was reported missing, and on June 2, his body was found in a gorge near the Wei Sawdong waterfalls.
Following the recovery of his body, police arrested Sonam and several others, including her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha. Investigations pointed to a planned murder, allegedly executed with the help of contract killers hired by Sonam.
Leaked Call Fuels Suspicion of Conspiracy
Vipin Raghuvanshi has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the probe, especially after the call leak. According to him, Sonam has had 4 to 5 telephonic conversations with her brother Govind and other relatives while in judicial custody — something the police had earlier denied.
“This clearly indicates that her family has been involved from the beginning. Now, not just Sonam, but her entire family should be investigated,” Vipin said. He added that Sonam had “betrayed Raja,” and now her family was “manipulating the legal process.”
Family Seeks CBI Intervention
Citing these developments, Vipin is now urging that the investigation be transferred from Meghalaya Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure impartiality and thorough scrutiny.
He has also criticized the granting of bail to some of the accused, which he says shows that the case is being weakened. “Despite the serious nature of the crime, police remand was not extended. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Police Recreate Crime Scene
Earlier this month, the Meghalaya Police reconstructed the crime scene in Sohra with Sonam and three other accused. According to officials, this exercise helped them better understand the sequence of events. However, a second machete believed to have been used in the murder is still missing, and police are searching for it.
Vipin also suggested that robbery may have been a motive. He claims Raja had gifted Sonam jewelry worth nearly ₹10 lakh, which has not been recovered. He suspects it may have been looted or hidden by her accomplices.
Growing Public and Legal Pressure
The Raghuvanshi family has displayed posters outside their Indore residence, reading: “I didn’t die… I was killed.” The posters reflect their deep mistrust of the current investigation and their demand for justice. They have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a CBI inquiry.
With the leaked jail call now raising fresh doubts over the independence of the ongoing investigation, Raja’s family believes only a central probe can ensure justice. They continue to demand accountability, not just from Sonam, but from everyone they believe was part of the plot.
The case, now one of the most sensational in recent memory, has sparked debate over law enforcement transparency and the safety of domestic travellers in