Who is Raj Kushwaha? Family Defends Him Amidst Murder Allegations in Meghalaya Case

Family Stands Firm in Raj Kushwaha's Defense

In Indore, the family of Raj Kushwaha, who faces accusations of being the mastermind behind Raja Raghuvanshi's murder, has publicly defended him, claiming his innocence and asserting that he is incapable of such a crime.

On Monday, family members expressed their belief that Raj, the sole breadwinner of the family, is being wrongfully accused and emphasized that his connection with Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raja's wife, was strictly professional.

Raj's mother stated to the media, "My son is innocent. The police have taken him without justification. Their claims are false. He has responsibilities towards his sisters and has always worked diligently. I refuse to believe any of this nonsense."

The family comprises Raj's mother and three sisters, as their father passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of his sisters also voiced her support, saying, "I know my brother well; he would never commit such an act. I also know Vishal; he is like family. They are both innocent, and these allegations are completely fabricated."

She further dismissed rumors of an affair between Raj and Sonam, clarifying, "They were not involved in any relationship beyond that of an employee and employer. My brother has no connection to this case whatsoever."

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Police apprehended Sonam Raghuvanshi in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where she turned herself in at the Nandganj police station early Monday morning.

Authorities allege that Sonam orchestrated her husband's murder by hiring contract killers during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Her surrender was reportedly influenced by ongoing pressure from a multi-state investigation.

In addition to Sonam and Raj Kushwaha, three others—Vishal Singh Chauhan, Anand, and Akash—are implicated in the murder conspiracy.

Sources indicate that Raj Kushwaha, who is five years younger than Sonam, had a prior relationship with her before her marriage to Raja. Investigators suspect that the two conspired to eliminate Raja Raghuvanshi.

Call records between Sonam and Raj reportedly showed frequent communication, which became a crucial lead in the investigation. Consequently, Raj was arrested during a coordinated operation involving police from Indore and Shillong.

Sonam is currently in Meghalaya Police custody, held securely at the Phulwari Sharif police station in Patna.

Reports suggest she will be transported from Patna Airport to Guwahati on Tuesday at 12:40 PM, with police expected to arrive at the airport by 11 AM. From Guwahati, she will be taken by road to Shillong.

The Meghalaya Police have obtained a five-day transit remand for Sonam to facilitate further questioning and investigation.

Raja Raghuvanshi's body was discovered in a gorge near the Weisawdong Parking Lot in Meghalaya on June 2.

The couple had been reported missing on May 23, leading to an initial missing persons investigation that transitioned into a homicide inquiry following the recovery of Raja's body.

Sonam remained untraceable until June 8, when she surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.