Shillong: A case that stunned the nation also stood out for the professionalism and extraordinary coordination between the Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh Police, whose swift and determined investigation unravelled a complex and coldly executed murder plot spanning three states.
What began as the mysterious disappearance of a honeymooning couple in Meghalaya quickly turned into a multi-layered investigation involving contract killers, missing evidence, and a wife on the run. In the face of mounting public pressure, challenging terrain, and inter-state links, the police teams worked with remarkable precision—tracing movements, gathering leads, and making critical arrests in record time.
The Meghalaya Police on Monday confirmed the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi, wife of Raja Raghuvanshi, whose body was found in a gorge on June 2 in East Khasi Hills district. Sonam, missing since May 23, surrendered early on June 9 at Nandganj police station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, following mounting pressure from an intensified investigation that spanned multiple states.
According to the police, Sonam allegedly hired three men to kill Raja during their honeymoon. All three suspected assailants have been arrested – one from Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, and two from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. One more person remains absconding.
A breakthrough came when a local tourist guide, Albert Pde, told investigators that he had spotted the couple on May 23 with three unknown men speaking Hindi while climbing 3,000 steps between Nongriat and Mawlakhiat. He had seen them the day before when he offered to guide them, but they had declined, opting for another guide instead. The next morning, he saw them again – this time in company that raised questions.
On May 24, the couple’s rented scooter was found abandoned near a café between Shillong and Sohra. Days later, Raja’s body was recovered from a gorge near Weisawdong Falls. A bloodstained machete was discovered nearby, followed by a raincoat similar to one worn by the couple. A gold ring and neck chain were missing from Raja’s body.
Soon after, the Meghalaya Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a Superintendent of Police, supported by four Deputy SPs and agencies such as the SDRF, NDRF, and local intelligence units. The police coordinated with law enforcement teams in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to track suspects and uncover evidence.
In a major development over the weekend, Sonam was found at Kashi Dhaba along the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway and taken into custody by the Uttar Pradesh Police. “Sonam Raghuvanshi, Govindnagar Khadsa, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, aged about 24 years, was found in the night at Kashi Dhaba situated on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road. She was sent to Sadar Hospital for initial treatment and then kept in One Stop Centre,” said UP ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash.
Meghalaya Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang said the accused men confessed that they were hired by Sonam to carry out the murder. “One accused from Uttar Pradesh and two more persons were held from Indore by Meghalaya Police SIT. The arrested accused have named some more persons. They revealed that the victim's wife had hired them,” Nongrang told PTI.
The police have now begun the process of bringing Sonam to Meghalaya for formal judicial proceedings and further interrogation.
The investigation had faced strong public and political pressure. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma publicly acknowledged the police effort, posting, “Within 7 days, a major breakthrough has been achieved by the Meghalaya Police in the Raja murder case. 3 assailants who are from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, a female has surrendered, and the operation is still on to catch one more assailant, well done Meghalaya Police.”
Meanwhile, the victim’s and the accused’s families continue to demand a CBI inquiry. Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, has claimed her innocence, alleging that the police were misled by local accounts. “My daughter is 100 percent innocent. I demand a CBI inquiry and request Amit Shah to ensure a proper investigation. What kind of proof do they have? Why would she kill her husband? The police haven’t even met Sonam but have already declared her guilty. Sonam is innocent. These are false claims.”
Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, said, “If Sonam did this, she should be punished too. Sonam always behaved well with us, we still can’t believe she could have done this. If she is guilty, I want the death sentence. But if she is innocent, I won’t blame her falsely.”
The Meghalaya Police have requested the public and media to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to proceed. “Despite geographical and logistical challenges, and sustained public and media scrutiny, our teams remained steadfast in their commitment to upholding the rule of law,” the police said in a statement.
As of Monday, legal protocols were underway for Sonam’s transit to Meghalaya. Further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
Source: PTI
BI Bureau
