The recent arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi in connection with the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya has sent shockwaves through both families. Sonam, who was initially reported missing along with her husband, is now the prime suspect in what police are calling a pre-meditated murder orchestrated with the help of hired assailants.
The case took a dramatic turn when Raja's body was discovered in a deep gorge in Sohra (Cherrapunjee) on June 2, nearly ten days after the couple went missing on May 23. A tourist guide had reported seeing the couple with three unknown men, raising early suspicions. Meghalaya police investigations led to the arrest of three men allegedly hired by Sonam from Madhya Pradesh to carry out the murder.
Sonam surrendered to police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Following her surrender, she was taken into custody, and police teams from Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh are en route to escort her back for further investigation. Meghalaya DGP LR Bishnoi stated that Sonam is accused of orchestrating her husband's murder by hiring the three men from Madhya Pradesh. One more suspect remains at large.
Amidst these developments, Raja Raghuvanshi's mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, has voiced her anguish and demanded the death penalty for Sonam if she is found guilty. Speaking to India Today TV, Uma revealed that her son was seemingly coerced into going on the honeymoon. She claimed that Sonam booked the flight tickets without informing the family, raising further questions about her intentions. Uma stated, "He did not want to go. Sonam booked flight tickets without informing our family. If she has done this, she deserves the death penalty." She conveyed the immense grief and disbelief that the family is experiencing. She has called for a thorough investigation, initially focusing on the three arrested men, emphasizing that Sonam should be punished if found guilty. Uma also mentioned that the family had accepted Sonam and were unaware of her alleged connection with another man, Raj Kushwaha, who is purportedly the mastermind behind the murder plot.
Meanwhile, Sonam's family vehemently denies the allegations against her. Her father, Devi Singh, has rejected the police's claims, asserting his daughter's innocence. He believes that the Meghalaya police are fabricating the case and has called for a CBI inquiry. He stated that Sonam had reached a roadside eatery in Ghazipur on her own and contacted her brother, after which the police arrived and took her away. Devi Singh questions the motive behind Sonam murdering her husband and insists that the Meghalaya police are "making up stories." He is planning to approach the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and the Union Home Minister to push for a CBI probe, expressing his belief that a CBI inquiry will expose the alleged falsehoods of the Meghalaya police. Sonam's mother, Sangita, while expressing relief that her daughter has been found, wants to know who killed Raja.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, has praised the state police for their swift action in cracking the case. He assured a thorough probe and immediate action following the incident, while both families involved initially demanded a CBI probe, reflecting the complex and emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding the investigation.
