The brother of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, is questioning the motives of Raj Kushwaha, the alleged mastermind behind the crime. While an affair between Kushwaha and Raghuvanshi's wife, Sonam, is suspected, the brother wonders why, if they were in love, they didn't simply elope, instead of resorting to such a brutal act. The family is demanding a thorough investigation, including narcoanalysis tests on Sonam's parents, suspecting the involvement of more individuals in the conspiracy.
Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based businessman, was killed on May 23rd while honeymooning with his wife, Sonam, in Meghalaya. Police investigations revealed a chilling plot allegedly orchestrated by Sonam and her lover, Raj Kushwaha. According to authorities, Kushwaha enlisted the help of three friends – Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi – to execute the murder. All five have been arrested and are currently in custody.
The Meghalaya Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) is meticulously investigating the case, even traveling to Indore to explore potential financial motives behind the murder. The police investigation has revealed disturbing details, including the fact that there were multiple failed attempts to kill Raja before the final act was carried out near Weisawdong Falls. Plans were hatched to eliminate him at various locations, including Nongriat and between Mawlakhiat and Weisawdong, but these plans did not materialize until the eventual attack. One plan even involved the couple traveling to Guwahati under the pretense of visiting the Kamakhya temple, where Kushwaha's accomplices were waiting. When that plan failed, Sonam suggested a trip to Shillong, where the murder was ultimately committed.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, police uncovered that the conspirators had initially considered more elaborate schemes, including murdering a random woman and trying to pass off the body as Sonam to fake her death and allow her to disappear. Another version of the plan involved faking Sonam's disappearance by making it look like she drowned in a river.
The weapon used in the murder, a machete, has been recovered, and police reports indicate that Raja Raghuvanshi attempted to fight back against his attackers. The three accomplices allegedly attacked Raja with the machete, which they had purchased near Guwahati's railway station, and repeatedly struck him. After the murder, the body was thrown into a gorge. Sonam then handed over her raincoat to Akash, whose shirt was stained with blood.
The family of Raj Kushwaha is in disbelief over his involvement in the crime. His grandmother, Ramlali, died of a heart attack after being deeply shocked by the accusations against him. She had maintained his innocence, claiming he was being framed. Kushwaha's family described him as a quiet and responsible young man who had been supporting his family since his father's death during the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked as an accountant at a furniture sheet manufacturing unit owned by Sonam Raghuvanshi's family.
Meanwhile, Sonam Raghuvanshi's family has expressed support for Raja's family. Her brother, Govind, attended post-death rituals and stated that the family is open to investigation and stands with Raja Raghuvanshi's family in their pursuit of justice.
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered, particularly surrounding the exact motive for the murder. The court has remanded Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha to judicial custody. The quest for the complete truth continues, fueled by the grief and unanswered questions of Raja Raghuvanshi's family.
