In a dramatic development in the murder case of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, the District Sessions Court of Shillong on Thursday sent Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha to two-day police custody, while three other accused – Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi – were remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
According to Advocate Tushar Chanda, who briefed the media outside the court, the Meghalaya Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) presented all five accused in court following their arrest in connection with what is now being called a pre-meditated and gruesome murder carried out under the guise of a honeymoon.
What initially appeared to be a case of a missing couple took a dark turn after Raja’s body was discovered on June 2 in a forest near Nongriat village, just days after he and his wife Sonam checked out of a homestay on May 23, twelve days after their wedding in Indore.
Murder Conspiracy: Lover Posing as ‘Sanjay Verma’
Investigations have revealed that Sonam, the victim’s wife, was in constant contact with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, whose number she had saved under the alias “Sanjay Verma”. Police confirmed that between April and May, Sonam made and received over 239 calls with Raj.
Kushwaha, who worked as an accountant in a furniture sheet business owned by Sonam’s family, is now being treated as the co-conspirator and mastermind of the murder. His phone was switched off as soon as the case drew national attention, leading investigators to suspect an attempt to cover his tracks.
Family Cuts Ties with Accused Wife
Reacting to the revelations, Sonam’s brother, Govind, told the media that the family was unaware of the relationship and the name “Sanjay Verma.” He added that they have severed all ties with Sonam and fully support the victim’s family in their pursuit of justice.
Murder Was Pre-Planned
Police believe Sonam carefully orchestrated the crime with Raj Kushwaha by hiring three contract killers – Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi – who were allegedly present during the honeymoon trip and played direct roles in Raja’s murder.
The case, marked by deception, betrayal, and brutality, has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about how a newlywed honeymoon became a cover for a calculated killing.
