Investigation into the Murder of Businessman Raja Raghuvanshi Expands to Madhya Pradesh

Murder Investigation Takes a New Turn

A special investigation team (SIT) from Meghalaya is currently in Madhya Pradesh to explore potential financial motives behind the murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. An official disclosed this information on Tuesday. The police transported all suspects, including Raghuvanshi's wife Sonam, approximately 65 kilometers from here to Sohra, where they reenacted the crime under heavy security. Raja Raghuvanshi was fatally stabbed on May 23 near the Weisaadong Falls parking area, and his body was discarded in a nearby valley. At the time of the incident, Raja and Sonam were on their honeymoon, allegedly attacked by three assailants—Vishal, Anand, and Akash—sent by Sonam's lover, Raj Kushwaha, who is also among those arrested.

Second Weapon Recovered in Honeymoon Murder Case

As the investigation into the honeymoon murder progresses, Meghalaya police have successfully recovered a second weapon used in the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi. The SIT brought all suspects, including Sonam, to Sohra, about 65 kilometers from Shillong, to recreate the crime scene under strict security. During the reenactment on Tuesday, police questioned the suspects about the second weapon, leading them to disclose its location. Subsequently, a team equipped with metal detectors from the SDRF and police arrived at the scene and successfully retrieved the weapon.

Forensic Analysis of Recovered Weapon

SP Vivek Sim of East Khasi Hills confirmed the recovery of the weapon, stating it was also used in the murder and has been sent for forensic examination. According to police sources, both weapons were purchased from the same shop in Guwahati, Assam. Shocking details emerged during the crime scene reconstruction, with SP Sim revealing that three stabs were inflicted. The first was delivered by Vishal from behind while Sonam was in front of him, followed by a second stab from Anand and the final blow from Akash.

Details of the Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder

The assailants informed the SIT that they used two knives during the attack. Sim stated, "Raja was caught off guard, leading to his death from the stab wounds." He dismissed reports suggesting that Raja fell into the valley as the cause of death. Although Kushwaha is identified as the mastermind behind the murder, he did not travel to Meghalaya. The SP noted that Kushwaha is an employee of a company run by Sonam's family, and his absence from Indore raises suspicions. The attackers initially intended to commit the murder in Nongriat, where the couple had checked into a homestay, but they could not find a suitable location to dispose of the body.

Meghalaya Police Investigate Sonam's Family

To connect the dots in the high-profile Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, a team from Meghalaya police visited Sonam's family home in Indore on Wednesday for questioning. Eyewitnesses reported that the police team arrived at Sonam's residence in the Govind Nagar Kharcha area, after which the door was locked from the inside. The police remained at the house for about two hours. Shortly after the police left, Sonam's brother Govind departed the scene in a car. SP Vivek Sayam stated, "Our team is in Indore conducting inquiries to determine if anyone benefited from Raja's death." He added that the team raided the flat where Sonam stayed after fleeing Meghalaya, but it was found empty.

Ongoing Investigation into Possible Motives

SP Sayam mentioned that the SIT will remain in Indore to investigate further and explore whether there are any additional angles beyond the love triangle already acknowledged by the suspects. Meghalaya's Director General of Police (DGP) I Nongrang stated on Monday that the SIT is examining other potential aspects of the case. According to Sayam, the SIT visited several locations throughout Sohra, including the parking area where the suspects had parked their rented two-wheeler while heading to Weisaadong.