The family of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, has issued an apology for the crime, acknowledging the "tarnish" it has brought to the state's reputation. The family also expressed their gratitude to the Meghalaya government for their support and cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
The case has gripped the nation due to its shocking nature. Raja Raghuvanshi, a resident of Indore, was allegedly murdered by contract killers hired by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, with the assistance of her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha. The couple had traveled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon shortly after their wedding on May 11, but Raja's body was discovered in a gorge on June 2.
Sonam Raghuvanshi initially went missing after her husband's death, leading to a search effort. However, she later surrendered to police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have since arrested four others in connection with the murder, including Raj Kushwaha and the three alleged contract killers: Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi. All five are now in custody and are expected to be taken to the crime scene in Meghalaya to reconstruct the events leading up to Raja's death.
The Meghalaya Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been working diligently on the case. Post-mortem results revealed that Raja Raghuvanshi suffered severe head injuries, leading investigators to believe the murder was premeditated. Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, confirmed that some of the accused have confessed to the crime and that Sonam Raghuvanshi is "fully involved" in the operation.
Details emerging from the investigation paint a disturbing picture of betrayal and deceit. According to police sources, Sonam and Raj had been in a relationship prior to her marriage to Raja, but she married Raja due to family pressure. Sonam allegedly offered the contract killers ₹20 lakh to carry out the murder.
Adding another layer of complexity, Sonam Raghuvanshi has presented a new version of events, claiming that she and Raja were attacked, and he died protecting her. She told the owner of a roadside eatery in Ghazipur that some men tried to steal her jewellery, and Raja was killed while trying to defend her. She further claimed to have lost consciousness and did not know how she ended up in Ghazipur. However, police have rejected her version of events.
The investigation has uncovered a calculated plan orchestrated by Sonam. Police say that after the murder, Sonam drove from Shillong to Guwahati, then took a train back to Indore, reaching the city by May 27. She then met Raj Kushwaha in a rented room before traveling to Ghazipur, where she was eventually arrested.
The family's apology and expression of gratitude towards the Meghalaya government come amidst growing public outrage and concern over the impact of the crime on the state's image. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has praised the Meghalaya police for their handling of the case, emphasizing their "cool, calm, and focused" approach.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full truth behind Raja Raghuvanshi's murder and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice.
