Shillong Honeymoon Murder Trial Set to Begin
The district and sessions court in Shillong will commence the much-anticipated trial in the brutal murder case of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi on Tuesday. The case involves his wife Sonam and four other accused who face serious charges including murder and criminal conspiracy.
Charges Framed Against Five Accused
On October 28, the court formally framed charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 against all five prime accused. The charges include murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing disappearance of evidence in connection with the killing that occurred during what was supposed to be a romantic honeymoon in Meghalaya.
The main accused include Raja's wife Sonam Raghuvanshi, her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, and three hired killers from Madhya Pradesh identified as Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi. All five remain in judicial custody as the trial prepares to begin.
Tragic Honeymoon Turns Deadly
The case dates back to May 23, when Raja Raghuvanshi was allegedly murdered at the behest of his wife while the couple was honeymooning in Sohra. The picturesque location known for its stunning waterfalls became the scene of a carefully planned homicide that would take investigators days to unravel.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by Meghalaya Police made a grim discovery on June 2, recovering Raja's body from a deep gorge near the popular Wei Sawdong Waterfall in Sohra. The recovery came nearly two weeks after the businessman was reported missing.
Comprehensive Chargesheet and Additional Accused
Investigators left no stone unturned, submitting a massive 790-page chargesheet to the judicial magistrate (first class) in Sohra sub-division on September 5. The document outlines substantial evidence against all accused parties.
While the five main accused remain in custody, three co-accused have secured conditional bail. These include property dealer Silome James, Lokendra Tomar (owner of the building where Sonam hid after the murder), and security guard Balbir Ahirbar.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its shocking nature - a newlywed wife allegedly orchestrating her husband's murder during what should have been one of the happiest periods of their lives. As the trial begins, the court proceedings are expected to reveal further disturbing details about the conspiracy that led to this tragic outcome.
