The family of Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based businessman allegedly murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, is reportedly planning to approach the Meghalaya High Court to seek narco-analysis tests for two key accused in the case: Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raja’s wife, and Raj Kushwaha, her alleged lover.
This development comes amid ongoing investigations into the murder, which has garnered significant attention. Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam were reported missing on May 23, 2025, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Raja's body was discovered on June 2, 2025, in a gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills district. Sonam surrendered to police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 9, 2025, over 1,200 km from the crime scene.
According to Meghalaya Police, Sonam allegedly conspired with Raj Kushwaha to murder her husband. The alleged plot involved hiring three accomplices: Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi, friends and, in one case, a cousin of Kushwaha. All five have been arrested in connection with the murder.
Raja's brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, has been vocal in his demands for a thorough investigation, expressing concerns that Sonam has misled investigators and withheld crucial details. He believes that a narco-analysis test is necessary to uncover the full truth and identify any other individuals who may have been involved in the conspiracy. Sachin has stated that he will approach the High Court and even the Supreme Court if necessary to ensure a narco-analysis test is conducted.
A district and sessions court in Shillong has remanded Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha to 13 days of judicial custody. The three other accused, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi, have been sent to 14 days of judicial custody. The Meghalaya Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) reconstructed the crime scene in Sohra with Sonam and three others present. According to SP Vivek Syiem, the reconstruction provided a "very clear picture" of the events.
While Raja's family pushes for a narco-analysis test, it's important to consider the legal aspects surrounding such procedures in India. The Supreme Court has ruled that involuntary narco-analysis tests are unconstitutional, violating Article 20(3) (protection against self-incrimination) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Indian Constitution. However, the Supreme Court has also stated that an accused person has the right to voluntarily undergo a narco-analysis test, but at the appropriate stage of the trial, that is, when the accused is exercising his right to lead the evidence. The results of a voluntary narco-analysis test cannot form the sole basis for conviction.
Earlier, the Meghalaya Police had indicated that they would not conduct narco-analysis tests on Sonam and Raj, stating that they are cooperating with the investigation and that substantial evidence exists against them. Additionally, police pointed out that nothing in narco analysis is admissible and narco test is banned in India.
The investigation has expanded beyond Meghalaya, with police questioning acquaintances of Sonam and Raj in Indore and a taxi driver suspected of transporting Sonam to Uttar Pradesh after the murder. Police are also searching for Sonam's missing phone and jewelry. Recently, Shillong police arrested Shilom James, a property dealer in Indore who allegedly rented a flat to Vishal, one of the contract killers hired by Sonam Raghuvanshi, and Balla Ahirwar, a security guard, for allegedly concealing and burning evidence related to the case.
As the investigation continues, the Raghuvanshi family's pursuit of a narco-analysis test highlights their determination to uncover the complete truth behind Raja's murder. The Meghalaya High Court's decision on the matter could have significant implications for the case and the use of narco-analysis in future investigations.
