Shillong: The Meghalaya Police have recovered more evidence that will help build a watertight case against the killers of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has seized a gold chain belonging to Raghuvanshi, along with other valuables, including laptops and documents, during the raid at the residence of arrested property dealer Silom James, in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
In a crime that made headlines across the nation, Raghuvanshi was brutally murdered during his honeymoon in Sohra, Meghalaya, on May 23. Investigation revealed that the murder had been planned by his wife Sonam and her paramour Raj Kushwaha. The crime was carried out by Kushwaha’s three close friends who followed the couple to Sohra.
Sonam left Meghalaya after the murder and returned to Indore and shared a flat with Kushwaha. This flat was provided by James. While leaving Indore due to mounting police pressure, Sonam left a bag with James. This contained several items, such as jewellery, laptops, a mobile phone and a pistol belonging to Kushwaha.
Vivek Syiem, SP, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Police, has said the seized materials are likely to provide crucial leads in murder. The SIT received support from the Alkapuri police station in Ratlam, during the raid.
Raja’s decomposed body was recovered on June 2 near Weisawdong Falls on Sohra. Investigations revealed that the couple rented a scooter in Shillong on May 22 and travelled to Sohra. After failing to find accommodation, they trekked to Nongriat village and stayed overnight. The next morning, while hiking back, they were followed by the three killers from Indore.
Video evidence captured by tourists and locals later confirmed the group’s presence on the trail. By late morning on May 23, Raja was attacked with machetes and thrown into a gorge. The attackers, along with Sonam, fled the scene shortly afterward.
“This was not a random crime. The murder was meticulously planned. Although initially believed to be a murder-for-hire, we have established that the killers were friends of Kushwaha and committed the crime as a personal favour to Sonam,” Syiem said.
Sonam was arrested on June 9 in Uttar Pradesh. Her mangalsutra and a ring were recovered from a homestay in Sohra, further implicating her in the case.
“We are exploring all angles. It’s unusual for such deep hostility to emerge so soon after marriage,” Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang said
