The family of Raja Raghuvanshi, a transport businessman from Indore who was murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, has expressed shock over a local court granting bail to his wife Sonam, a prime accused. They have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.
Background of the case
Raja Raghuvanshi went missing on May 23 last year while on his honeymoon in Meghalaya. His mutilated body was discovered on June 2 from a deep gorge near a waterfall in the Sohra area of East Khasi Hills district. Sonam, along with several others including her alleged boyfriend, was arrested in connection with the murder.
Bail granted to Sonam
A court in Meghalaya granted bail to Sonam on Tuesday. Following the order, Raja's mother Uma expressed disbelief, stating, "The Meghalaya Police thoroughly investigated the case over the past nine months, but it was beyond our understanding how the game suddenly changed in a month or two." Choking with emotion, she added, "We only demand one thing from the government - justice for my innocent son, who was murdered. I want a CBI probe into this case."
Family to challenge bail order
Raja's elder brother Vipin Raghuvanshi said the family will challenge the bail order in the Meghalaya High Court. He noted that during the bail hearing, Sonam's lawyer primarily argued that the Meghalaya Police did not properly inform her of the specific reason for her arrest, violating legal provisions. Vipin also alleged possible lapses in the investigation, stating that the family has not been given full access to key documents. "Vipin suspected manipulation in the investigation, saying the prosecution has not yet provided him with a copy of the chargesheet, nor has he had a chance to review it properly," he said.
Arrest and chargesheet
Sonam was arrested on June 9, 2025, in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the alleged conspiracy to murder her husband. She has been in judicial custody in Shillong District Jail for over 10 months. In September last year, Meghalaya Police filed a 790-page chargesheet naming eight accused, including Sonam and her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwah.
