The investigation into the death of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was found dead during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi. The case, initially treated as a missing person investigation, quickly morphed into a murder inquiry after Raja's body was discovered in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls on June 2nd.
The couple, who had recently married in May, embarked on their honeymoon to Meghalaya, visiting several scenic spots. However, their idyllic trip took a sinister turn when they were reported missing on May 23rd. A massive search operation was launched, involving the police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Special Operations Team (SOT), and even drones. The discovery of Raja's body, along with a "dao" (a local machete) identified as the murder weapon, confirmed the worst fears.
Initially, suspicion fell on unknown assailants, and authorities were working to determine the circumstances surrounding Raja's death. However, the investigation took a sharp turn when evidence suggested Sonam's involvement in orchestrating the crime. Meghalaya Police accused Sonam of hiring contract killers to murder her husband.
Sonam was apprehended in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where she reportedly surrendered to the police at the Nandganj police station. Simultaneously, three individuals allegedly involved in the murder were arrested in separate raids. According to Meghalaya DGP Idashisha Nongrang, the arrested individuals confessed that Sonam had hired them to kill Raja. The motive behind the alleged murder is still under investigation, though some sources suggest a possible affair.
The arrest of Sonam has sent shockwaves through both Meghalaya and the couple's home state of Madhya Pradesh. Adding another layer of complexity, Sonam's family vehemently denies the allegations against her. Her father, Devi Singh Raghuvanshi, insists on his daughter's innocence and accuses the Meghalaya Police of fabricating the story. He has called for an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.
The police investigation benefited from the testimony of a local guide, Albert Pde, who had been approached by the couple on May 22nd. Though they initially declined his services, Pde later saw them accompanied by three unknown men. This information proved crucial in connecting the arrested individuals to the crime.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has assured a thorough and just investigation into the case. He acknowledged the breakthrough achieved by the Meghalaya Police in solving the case within a week. The focus now shifts to gathering further evidence, interrogating the suspects, and determining the full extent of Sonam's involvement, as well as the motives behind this tragic event. The case continues to unfold, with many questions still unanswered.
