A judicial magistrate court in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district has formally pressed charges against five individuals in connection with the gruesome murder of Madhya Pradesh businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. Raghuvanshi was tragically killed in May during his honeymoon in the picturesque state, allegedly by three hired assassins.
The five accused who now face charges include Raja Raghuvanshi’s wife, Sonam, her alleged boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, and the three alleged hitmen: Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi. All three assailants traveled from Madhya Pradesh specifically to carry out the businessman’s murder. Despite the severe allegations, all five have pleaded not guilty.
The court’s decision, made on Tuesday, October 28, saw charges officially framed under Sections 103(1) (murder), 238(a) (disappearance of evidence), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to police reports, Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam, hailing from Indore, embarked on their honeymoon journey, arriving in Shillong on May 21 before proceeding to Sohra. The couple was reported missing on May 26, triggering an extensive search operation involving Sohra police, the Special Operations Team, NDRF, SDRF, local trekking groups, and community volunteers.
After several days of relentless searching, Raja’s body was discovered on June 2, hidden in a deep gorge near Sohra’s famous Wei Sawdong falls. A murder investigation was promptly launched at the Sohra police station.
Investigators quickly uncovered a sinister plot: Sonam was reportedly involved in a romantic relationship with Raj Kushwaha. The police allege that this duo, along with the three hired killers, meticulously conspired to end Raghuvanshi’s life during what was meant to be their romantic getaway. The heinous act was reportedly carried out by the three hitmen in Sonam’s direct presence.
Swift action by law enforcement led to the arrest of all five accused, including Sonam, within a week of the initial probe. A comprehensive 790-page chargesheet was subsequently filed by the police before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sohra Sub-Division, on September 5.
During the recent framing of charges, the court concluded that there was sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed with the trial against all five individuals. While the defense continues to assert the innocence of the accused, the much-anticipated trial is set to commence soon.
In a related development, police have indicated their intent to file a second chargesheet. This upcoming document will target three additional accused – Silom James, Lokendra Tomar, and Balbir Ahirbar – who were arrested for their alleged involvement in destroying crucial evidence related to the case.