In a significant development in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, the prime suspects—Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha—have confessed to their romantic involvement and their role in the murder of Sonam’s husband, Raja Raghuvanshi. The revelation was made by Meghalaya Police on Tuesday.
Crime Scene Recreated by the Accused
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that both Sonam and Raj had admitted to the crime and helped police recreate the crime scene.
“They have already admitted to the crime. We have done the reconstruction. They have shown us. We have got the evidence…” Syiem said.
Forced Marriage Led to Murder Plot
Police revealed that Sonam’s family disapproved of her relationship with Raj and arranged her marriage to Raja Raghuvanshi, a businessman from Indore.
According to Syiem, Sonam had warned her family of consequences if they forced the marriage, but they went ahead anyway.
“They wanted somebody out – I mean Raja – out of this whole scene, because they had a relationship and because of the customs where they had to agree between the parents and all that. So they thought… better get rid of this person (Raja),” he stated.
Financial Angle Still Under Probe
Investigators believe Sonam and Raj’s relationship is the key motive, but they are also examining possible financial motivations. So far, financial gain has not been confirmed as a motive.
Narco Test Request Turned Down
Raja’s family had requested a narco-analysis test for Sonam, but the police declined it.
“I don’t see the reason why we should perform [a narco test] at this stage,” Syiem explained.
He added that narco tests are usually considered only when evidence is lacking, and their results are inadmissible in court, as per Supreme Court rulings.
All Accused to Appear in Court Thursday
Sonam and Raj, along with three alleged hitmen—Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi—will be produced in court on Thursday. The trio are believed to have been hired to execute the murder plot.