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The East Khasi Hills police said in the 790-page chargesheet that Raja Raghuvanshi was killed in the presence of Sonam, who fled the scene after he started screaming.
Sonam Raghuvanshi/Raja Raghuvanshi (Photo: Social Media)
Meghalaya Police have filed a 790-page chargesheet naming eight people, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, in connection with the sensational murder of her husband and Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Sohra in May.
The East Khasi Hills police alleged in the chargesheet that Raja’s murder took place in front of Sonam – the main accused in the case – following a criminal conspiracy hatched by her and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, according to The Indian Express.
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Raja Raghuvanshi went missing during their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 23, after tying the knot on May 11. On June 2, the police found his mutilated body in a deep gorge in the Sohra area of the East Khasi Hills district after a massive operation.
Sonam was later found in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away from the crime scene, on June 9. She was arrested and brought to Shillong by the Meghalaya Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) in June. Police investigations have since suggested that Sonam conspired with Raj to commit the murder, allegedly roping in three others to aid in the crime.
What Did Police Say?
Sonam and Raj, along with three accused, Akash Singh Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan and Anand Kurmi, were charged under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103 (1) (murder), 238 (a) for disappearance of evidence, and 61(2) for criminal conspiracy. Lokendra Tomar, Balla Ahirwar and Shilom James were charged for their alleged role in destroying evidence, it added.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said the chargesheet filed before the court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class of Sohra Sub-Division on Friday was supported by material evidence that suggested Sonam’s culpability in the murder.
Police said the probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealed that Sonam was in a relationship with Raj Kushwaha, who allegedly hired three assailants to kill Raja. The murder was carried out by the other three accused.
As per the chargesheet, Raja was first struck with a machete by Chauhan, while Sonam was allegedly present at the time. She fled the scene when her husband began to bleed and scream, returning only after he had succumbed from multiple wounds.
Sonam’s Mangalsutra Found In Hotel
A second machete was located in the same gorge where Raja’s body was dumped, along with a white shirt believed to have been worn by Akash Rajput during the murder. Police stated that they have recovered crucial evidence in the case, including the murder weapon, blood-stained clothing, and CCTV footage capturing the couple together.
They also collected testimonies from several people, including a guide who saw the accused together. Police also recovered Sonam’s mangalsutra and a toe ring from the hotel where they had left their bags, which raised suspicions.
“After conducting a thorough investigation, including collecting and collating all evidences, it is conclusively (proven) that Smti Sonam Raja Raghuvanshi was in a relationship with Shri Raj Kushwaha and a criminal conspiracy was hatched by Raj Kushwaha along with Sonam and the three assailants to murder Raja Raghuvanshi under the pretext of a honeymoon to Sohra,” the Meghalaya Police said.
Raja’s Family Seeks Death Penalty
Meanwhile, Raja’s brother Vipin said Sonam and the other accused should get the death penalty for the crime, adding that he had yet to read the chargesheet, but his family was satisfied with the police investigation.
Vipin told news agency PTI that after Sonam’s arrest, her elder brother visited Raja’s house on June 11 and allegedly broke down, claiming his family had severed ties with her. However, Vipin alleged that Govind lied to protect his business interests and hired a lawyer to defend Sonam.
(with inputs from PTI)
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
Meghalaya, India, India
September 06, 2025, 19:06 IST
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