Shillong, June 12, 2025: Disturbing revelations have emerged on Day 1 of interrogation in the murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, the newly-wed tourist from Indore who was brutally killed and dumped into a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls on May 23.
According to East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem, the interrogation of Raja’s wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and four co-accused - Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi - has confirmed that the murder was premeditated. Raj Kushwaha is said to be the mastermind behind the crime, with Sonam acting as co-conspirator. The plan to eliminate Raja was made 11 days before the couple’s wedding.
Investigators learned that multiple attempts to execute the murder were made in various locations - including Guwahati, Nongriat, and Mawlakhiat - but conditions were never favourable. The killers finally struck at the parking lot of Wei Sawdong Falls, where Raja was allegedly strangled and later thrown into a deep gorge with Sonam’s help. His body was recovered on June 2 after a 10-day intensive search.
Police believe the motive was rooted in a love affair and Sonam’s alleged unwillingness to marry Raja. The hired killers were all known associates of Raj, who also arranged logistics and reportedly paid ₹50,000 for their travel and accommodation. After the murder, Sonam returned to Indore and remained there until June 8. A plan to help her escape to Siliguri was also uncovered but failed when all five accused were apprehended.
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The accused have been remanded to eight days of police custody by the Shillong District and Sessions Court. Investigations are ongoing.
