Sonam Raghuvanshi (24), accused of orchestrating the killing of her husband, businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, last month in Meghalaya, has confessed to her involvement, law enforcement sources revealed on Wednesday.
The admission came during intensive questioning by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) assembled for the case.
Authorities are now making preparations to record Sonam’s statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, officials told the media. In keeping with procedural norms, the SIT plans to have her confession video-recorded to serve as crucial evidence.
Discovery Of Victim & Missing Honeymooners
Raja’s body was recovered from a deep gorge in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district on June 2. The Indore-based entrepreneur and his wife had been reported missing since May 23, after they checked out of a homestay near Sohra (Cherrapunji), where they were on their honeymoon.
Following the discovery, a large-scale probe involving local police and the SIT was launched to piece together the couple’s final movements in Meghalaya’s rugged terrain.
Arrest & Transit Remand
Sonam surrendered to Uttar Pradesh Police on June 9 and was immediately taken into custody. She has since been transferred to Shillong on a three-day transit remand granted by Meghalaya authorities. Upon arrival—just before midnight—the SIT escorted her to a local hospital at around 2 a.m. to perform a battery of tests, including three examinations to determine if she was pregnant, one police officer told PTI.
Later in the day, Sonam is slated to appear before a Shillong court, where the SIT will formally request police custody to continue interrogations and reconstruct the crime.
Other Accused & Alleged Conspiracy
Investigators allege that Sonam conspired with her purported lover, Raj Kushwaha, to eliminate her husband. They further contend that she engaged three hired assailants—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi—to carry out the murder.
All four co-accused were brought to Shillong alongside Sonam. The SIT intends to conduct a crime-scene reenactment in the Sohra area, with Sonam and the three gunmen present, to establish the sequence of events leading to Raja’s death.
Kushwaha, Chauhan, Rajput, and Kurmi are scheduled to be produced before the Shillong court later today, facing charges that include abduction, conspiracy, and culpable homicide.
What’s Next In Investigation
Once the Section 164 statement is recorded, prosecutors will intensify efforts to corroborate Sonam’s confession with physical evidence from the gorge, forensic reports, and eyewitness testimonies. The video-recorded confession, combined with the forthcoming reenactment, is expected to form the backbone of the prosecution’s case.
Meanwhile, the court’s decision on extending Sonam’s remand and the SIT’s application for further custody will determine the pace at which investigators can pursue leads, examine digital footprints, and question additional witnesses. The unfolding revelations have cast a spotlight on what appeared to be an idyllic honeymoon, exposing a premeditated conspiracy that culminated in tragedy deep within Meghalaya’s hills.
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