The investigation into the death of Raja Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya has taken a dramatic turn, with his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, emerging as the prime suspect. While several pieces of evidence are pointing towards her involvement, one particular detail has captured the attention of investigators: a 'mangalsutra' and a ring.
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, who got married on May 11 in Indore, embarked on a honeymoon to Meghalaya. The couple checked out of a homestay in Nongriat village on May 23. On June 2, Raja's body was discovered in a gorge near Cherrapunji. Sonam was nowhere to be found, initially fueling speculation that she might have been abducted or become another victim. However, suspicion soon shifted towards her as investigators uncovered inconsistencies and potential motives.
According to Meghalaya's Director General of Police I Nongrang, the discovery of Sonam's 'mangalsutra' and a ring in a suitcase abandoned at the homestay in Sohra raised immediate suspicion. In Indian culture, the 'mangalsutra' is a sacred necklace worn by married women as a symbol of their marital status and the well-being of their husbands. For a married woman to leave behind such a significant ornament was considered a major red flag. "A married woman leaving behind the ornaments gave us a clue to pursue her as a suspect in the case," DGP Nongrang stated, highlighting the cultural significance of the jewelry in triggering the investigation.
Further investigation revealed a complex plot allegedly orchestrated by Sonam and her alleged boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha. Police claim that Sonam and Raj planned the murder and hired three contract killers for ₹20 lakh to execute their plan. The three men allegedly hired by Raj Kushwaha, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi, have confessed to their involvement in Raja Raghuvanshi's murder. According to ACP Poonam Chand Yadav, the accused revealed that Sonam was present at the scene and "watched her husband die".
Adding another layer to the intrigue, Sonam Raghuvanshi's brother, Govind, has publicly stated his conviction that his sister is responsible for the murder. Govind revealed that Raja used to call Sonam 'didi' (sister) and she had been tying a rakhi (a bracelet symbolizing the bond between a brother and sister) to him for the last three years.
The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities gathering digital footprints, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies to build a case against Sonam and her accomplices. Forensic analysis has confirmed the presence of Raja Raghuvanshi's blood on clothing belonging to some of the accused, including a blood-stained shirt and Sonam's raincoat. The murder weapon, a khukri (a curved blade), has also been recovered and is undergoing examination.
Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with Raj Kushwaha and the three alleged contract killers, are currently in police custody. While early reports suggested Sonam confessed to the crime, police have clarified that while there is strong evidence of her involvement, the investigation is still in its initial stages. Sonam herself has offered a different version of events, claiming that she and Raja were attacked, and he died trying to protect her, but police suspect this is a fabrication. Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong stated that several suspects in the murder case have confessed, and that his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi is "fully involved."
