Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: In a significant development in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, the police have confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi and her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha have admitted to their romantic relationship and confessed to killing her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi.
The duo is in custody and the investigation has now entered its final stages.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has dismissed demands for a narco-analysis test on Sonam, stating that they have already gathered sufficient admissible evidence. Speaking to the media, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem explained, “Both accused have admitted to the crime. We have reconstructed the crime scene. They have shown us how it was done. With strong evidence already in place, a narco test is unnecessary.”
He further clarified that narco-analysis tests are not admissible in court and are typically used when no other evidence is available. “Besides, the Supreme Court has put restrictions on its usage,” he added. The focus of the investigation, according to the officer, is to prepare a watertight chargesheet based on concrete and admissible evidence rather than relying on confessions.
The accused are expected to be produced in court on Thursday. The NDTV report cited Police sources as revealing that Sonam’s family was against her relationship with Raj Kushwaha, whom she had met before marrying Raja. Despite objections, she allegedly warned her family that she would take drastic steps if forced into marriage. Eventually, she married Raja Raghuvanshi, a businessman.
Officers believe that the murder was not motivated by money alone. Instead, it was likely driven by the couple’s desire to eliminate Raja so they could continue their relationship and pursue joint business interests. “They wanted Raja out of the way. Given the pressure from families and societal expectations, they saw murder as a way to free themselves,” SP Syiem said.
According to a NDTV report police are also investigating the role of Lokendra Tomar, an infrastructure company owner from Indore, and a property dealer named Silome James. Sonam had allegedly stayed at Tomar’s Indore flat with Raj and the contract killers before being arrested from Uttar Pradesh.
Investigators are looking into a missing bag left behind by Sonam at the flat. The bag reportedly contained a country-made pistol, jewellery belonging to Raja, Sonam’s mobile phone, and Rs 5 lakh in cash. Police suspect Tomar or James may have removed it in an attempt to destroy evidence.
So far, the jewellery has not been recovered, and both men are being probed for tampering with evidence. The investigation is ongoing.