According to Superintendent of Police (East Khasi Hills) Vivek Syiem, the court has approved bail for the accused, while legal formalities remain ongoing. He added that the police will continue to pursue the case in accordance with the law.
Background of the Case
Sonam Raghuvanshi was arrested along with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and three others for allegedly plotting and executing the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based businessman.
The couple had traveled to Guwahati and Shillong on May 20 for their honeymoon but were reported missing just three days later, on May 23. After an extensive search operation lasting nearly ten days, Raja’s body was discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge in Sohra, located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district. Sonam later surrendered to authorities in Ghazipur.
Investigation and Arrests
Authorities revealed that Sonam, along with Raj Kushwaha and accomplices Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi, had allegedly conspired to carry out the murder. All accused were arrested and remain in judicial custody.
Investigators also noted that Sonam’s family had arranged her marriage to Raja despite her alleged relationship with Kushwaha. Reports suggest she had expressed strong opposition to the marriage and warned of serious consequences if it proceeded.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a detailed 790-page chargesheet against the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including charges related to murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.
Timeline of Events
May 11: Raja Raghuvanshi marries Sonam in Indore.
May 20: The couple arrives in Shillong for their honeymoon and later travels to Sohra.
May 23: They check out of a homestay in Nongriat; Raja is last seen alive near Wei Sawdong Falls.
May 26: The couple is officially reported missing, prompting a large-scale search operation.
May 31: An abandoned scooter linked to the couple is found near Golden Pines Dhaba.
June 2: Raja’s mutilated body is recovered from a gorge.
June 8–11: Police arrest Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, and three alleged attackers across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
June 22–25: Additional arrests are made in Madhya Pradesh for alleged destruction of evidence.
Ongoing Proceedings
While Sonam Raghuvanshi has now been granted bail, the investigation remains active. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all legal procedures are followed and that justice is served in this high-profile case, which has drawn nationwide attention.
