Eight Arrests, Endless Questions: Twists Deepen in Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Probe; Sonam’s Brother Wants to Meet Her Ahead of Raksha Bandhan
First Published: 3rd July, 2025 15:19 IST
Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Probe: The motive appears to be a combination of personal betrayal, greed, and manipulation.
The tragic murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi on May 23 in Sohra, Meghalaya, continues to grip the nation with its shocking revelations, relentless twists, and an ever-widening web of accused. With each passing day, new evidences are surfaceing, and justice remains elusive. One after the other, arrests and discoveries are being made but the question remain: How long before justice will be served?
The latest development in this chilling murder case is a Shillong Court sending property dealer and co-accused, Shilom James to 14-day judicial custody. Two other suspects — Lokendra Singh Tomar and Balbir Ahirwar — were sent to judicial custody for seven days.
All three were arrested from Madhya Pradesh by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on charges of aiding in the concealment of evidence and obstruction of justice.
According to Assistant Public Prosecutor Tushar Chanda, the trio played a critical role in hiding key evidence following the murder. The flat in Indore, leased by Shilom James to Vishal Chauhan (one of the three hitmen involved), became a hideout for Sonam Raghuvanshi (deceased Raja’s wife and prime accused) and her lover Raj Kushwaha. It is in this very flat that the couple stayed after fleeing Meghalaya and where jewellery and other belongings of Raja and Sonam were concealed.
The case, filled with betrayal and horror, shocked the public when it was revealed that Raja was murdered allegedly by his wife, her lover, and three hired hitmen — Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurme — during what was supposed to be a honeymoon trip to Meghalaya.
Following leads, on July 29, the SIT team, led by SI Anthony Khongsit and SI Karan Pachua, raided James’ Ratlam flat with the assistance of the Alkapuri Police.
During the search, jewellery, a laptop, a pen drive, and several crucial documents were recovered. These items are expected to play a significant role in the case.
The SIT had already made significant headway on June 26, when, guided by James, police recovered a country-made pistol, two magazines, two rounds of .32 ammunition, and Rs 50,000 in cash believed to have been stolen from the murdered businessman’s belongings.
As of now, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime:
Sonam Raghuvanshi – Wife of the deceased and alleged mastermind
Raj Kushwaha – Sonam’s lover
Vishal Chauhan – Hitman
Akash Rajput – Hitman
Anand Kurme – Hitman
Shilom James – Property dealer and alleged accomplice
Balbir Ahirwar – Carpenter/security guard who helped in hiding evidence
Lokendra Singh Tomar – Landlord of the Indore flat
The motive appears to be a combination of personal betrayal, greed, and manipulation. The betrayal cuts especially deep as Raja had reportedly trusted Sonam deeply. Family members, particularly Raja’s mother and Sonam’s brother Govind, have been devastated. Govind has recently expressed his wish to meet Sonam before Raksha Bandhan, a heartbreaking request amidst a case involving his sister’s alleged heinous act.
As the investigation deepens, the people demand answers and accountability. With the discovery of more evidence and multiple remands underway, it is hoped that the trial will soon begin, and justice will be delivered swiftly.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
At the heart of the protest lies the contentious inclusion of the village's long-maintained fishery within Assam’s territory under the MoU.
11th July 2025
Shubhanshu Shukla Speaks to Students from Assam and Meghalaya from Space, Tells Them He Will Guide Them To Become Astronauts, Walk on the Moon
The Indian astronaut connected with the students using amateur (Ham) radio, making it a rare and inspiring moment.
11th July 2025
Shillong Cantonment to Finally Get Building Bye-Laws After 53 Years; Draft Sent to Defence Ministry for Approval
As per the approved draft, residential buildings along motorable roads can go up to Ground plus 3 (G+3) floors.
11th July 2025
Centre Sanctions Rs 1,066 Cr For Flood And Landslide Hit Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram
These states have experienced heavy rainfall, massive flooding, and multiple landslides during this monsoon season.
10th July 2025
Shillong Gets Its First Mall: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates Rs 100 Cr Polo Commercial Complex
Meghalaya: Rooftop solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems further underline the eco-conscious vision of the project.
10th July 2025