By Priya Sharma, Senior Legal Affairs Correspondent (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyasharmajournalist)
Last Updated: June 20, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Who? Raja Raghuvanshi, 29‑year‑old Indore businessman, found dead on June 2 in a Meghalaya gorge.
- Accused: Wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and alleged partner Raj Kushwaha, plus three associates.
- Family Demand: Extended custody and in‑depth interrogation of Sonam—plus narco‑analysis for her immediate kin—to uncover “complete truth.”
- Investigation Status: Shillong court granted a two‑day extension of police custody; broader probe ongoing under Meghalaya DGP Idashisha Nongrang.
What Happened
Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam married on May 11 and embarked on a honeymoon to Meghalaya on May 20. When the couple failed to check out from their resort by May 23, local authorities launched a missing‑persons inquiry. On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a deep gorge near Sohra, his neck bearing marks of foul play. indiatimes.com
Investigators arrested Sonam, her friend and alleged paramour Raj Kushwaha, and three others on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. The Shillong Police have recovered mobile‑call logs pointing to heated arguments and multiple “handshake” calls between Sonam and Raja in the days preceding his death.
Family’s Call for Full Questioning
Speaking to PTI in Indore, Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, accused Sonam of “misleading investigators” during her initial eight‑day custody and demanded she remain in police hands until she confesses why she “got my son killed.” livemint.com Raja’s elder brother, Sachin Raghuvanshi, echoed the demand for detailed, in‑person questioning in Indore—citing fears that key details remain “withheld” in Shillong proceedings. hindustantimes.com
Additionally, the family has petitioned for narco‑analysis (truth serum) tests on Sonam, her parents, and brother—suspecting a “wider conspiracy” beyond the five accused currently in custody. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Investigation Update
- Custody Extension: On June 19, a Shillong court granted police a two‑day extension of Sonam and Raj Kushwaha’s custody for further questioning.
- Forensic Evidence: Meghalaya Police report pending forensic analysis of clothing and suitcases seized during raids at Sonam’s Indore residence.
- Digital Footprint: Over 100 call‑records between Sonam and Raj have been examined; prosecutors are also reviewing social‑media messages for motive.
- Next Steps: Family requests re‑questioning of Sonam in Indore to allow local Crime Branch officers to pursue leads.
Expert Analysis
“Extended custodial interrogation can be a double‑edged sword,” says Dr. Anil Gupta, Professor of Criminology at National Law University, Delhi (Profile: https://nlu.ac.in/faculty/agupta). “While narco‑analysis remains controversial under Indian jurisprudence, strategic questioning by specialised interrogation teams often yields breakthroughs—provided investigators adhere to procedural safeguards.”
Dr. Gupta notes that five suspects suggest a “mobile‑network conspiracy” rather than a lone crime of passion, underscoring the family’s fears of broader involvement.
Daily Digest
- June 18: Meghalaya police visit Sonam’s maternal home in Indore, quiz family members for two hours.
- June 19: Court grants custody extension; family intensifies calls for narco‑tests.
- Today: Victim’s kin formally petition the Crime Branch to transfer questioning jurisdiction to Indore.
What Happens Next?
- Judicial Review: Family’s petition to transfer custody hearing scheduled June 22 in Indore Sessions Court.
- Forensic Report: Anticipated by June 25—could crystallise motive or implicate additional suspects.
- Public Reaction: Candlelight vigil slated in Indore on June 21; local NGOs demand speedy trial.
