Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma has pledged that the state government will ensure the trial of the questioned Raja Raghuvanshi murder case will be held as soon as possible and that justice will be served quickly for the 29-year-old Indore businessman killed on honeymoon in the state.
“Yes, we would like the judicial process to be completed as swiftly as possible. Whatever steps are required to facilitate this from our side as a government, we will do that and try to ensure that the trial progresses quickly,” Sangma said.
The announcement came after a development in the investigation that uncovered a disturbing murder plan allegedly perpetrated by Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, just days after their wedding on May 11. Sonam was arrested by the Meghalaya Police on Monday evening 1,200 km away in the Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh, and was transported to Shillong by a team from Meghalaya Police, where she likely will arrive later today.
According to police, Sonam allegedly was working with her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, to set up the hiring of three other men to kill her husband Raja during the honeymoon about two weeks after they were married.
Three others, including Raj Kushwaha, 21, have been arrested in connection with the case from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Sangma commended the Meghalaya Police for doing a good job. “They were able to piece together the facts very quickly but chose not to reveal too much in the early stages because they were cautious that premature disclosure could compromise the investigation,” the chief minister said.
“We took a measured approach in the probe, and I’m happy that we’ve reached this point of clarity and progress,” he said. In the initial days of the reporting of the crime, the chief minister was saddened. “It is deeply unfortunate that some sections of the national media misrepresented what actually happened and tried to unfairly blame the people of Meghalaya and the state. But now, the truth is out,” he said.
“I have always maintained that the people of Meghalaya and the entire Northeast are hospitable, peace-loving and treat all tourists and visitors like family. They are respectful and caring,” he said.
Raja and Sonam were married on May 11 in Indore, and went on their honeymoon to Shillong on May 21. The couple went missing on May 23 in the Sohra area of East Khasi Hills district, a few hours after they checked out of a homestay in Nongriat village. A scooter hired by the couple from Shillong was discovered in Sohrarim on May 24, and on May 25 Raja’s family registered a missing persons report in the East Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya.
On June 2, Raja’s body was located in a gorge close to Weisawdong Falls – about 20km from where they were last seen. No gold ring and chain were found on his body. The next day in the same area, a blood-stained machete was discovered. Police officers stated this was the first piece of evidence as this machete was not used in the area and led police to the conclusion that someone from outside the area was involved.
