The High Court of Meghalaya on Monday concluded hearing arguments from both sides regarding Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi. The court has listed the matter for Tuesday to allow the defence counsel to submit written arguments, after which a decision on the conditional bail granted to Sonam by a lower court is expected.
Court Proceedings
Justice W. Diengdoh presided over the hearing of the case, titled State of Meghalaya versus Sonam Raghuvanshi alias Bitti alias Bittu. The court noted that the defence counsel, Mr. S. Thapa, had concluded his arguments, and the Advocate General for the state, Mr. A. Kumar, had also presented his reply. The judge permitted Mr. Thapa to file written arguments during the day and listed the matter for further hearing on June 9, 2026.
Background of the Case
On June 5, the High Court had continued hearing the defence counsel's arguments and adjourned the matter to June 8. The state government had filed a criminal petition challenging the bail granted to Sonam by a lower court on April 27. Additional District Commissioner (Judicial) of Shillong, Dashalene R Kharbteng, had granted conditional bail to Sonam, citing procedural lapses during her arrest, specifically that she was not informed of the correct section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita under which she was detained.
The state government, however, contended that the accused was duly informed of the grounds of her arrest by the police. It submitted supporting documents in court on May 4, seeking revocation of the bail.
The Murder
Raja Raghuvanshi, a transport businessman from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was murdered near a waterfall at Sohra (Cherrapunji) in May 2025. A gang of four hired killers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh allegedly carried out the murder at the behest of his newly married wife, purportedly during their honeymoon trip.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the legal proceedings surrounding the grant of bail. The High Court's decision on Tuesday will determine whether Sonam Raghuvanshi remains free on conditional bail or is taken into custody pending trial.
