Key Takeaways:
- Three new suspects arrested for allegedly destroying and concealing critical evidence
- Charred remains recovered during forensic excavation to be analyzed by the National Forensic Sciences University
- Coordinated raids across Indore and Gwalior highlight interstate police collaboration
- Ongoing investigation under Meghalaya Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT)
What Happened?
In a major breakthrough today, Madhya Pradesh police have arrested three individuals accused of tampering with evidence in the high-profile honeymoon murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi.
- Lokendra Singh Tomar, a Gwalior-based landlord, was detained for allegedly instructing aides to destroy a bag containing Raghuvanshi’s mobile phones and jewellery. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Silome James, a contractor, confessed to burning the suspect bag at a vacant Indore plot. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Balveer Ahirwar, a security guard, was also arrested for facilitating the movement and concealment of incriminating items. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
All three are now in transit remand to Shillong, where the Meghalaya Police’s SIT will further interrogate them and inspect the recovered items.
Expert Analysis
“Tampering with forensic evidence not only hampers justice but can irreversibly compromise case integrity,” says Dr. Meera Joshi, forensic science professor at the National Forensic Sciences University. “Prompt recovery and lab analysis of charred remains is critical to link suspects to the crime beyond reasonable doubt.”
Timeline of Developments
- May 23, 2025: Raja and wife Sonam arrive in Sohra, Meghalaya, for honeymoon.
- May 23–25, 2025: CCTV and drone footage reveal Sonam’s movements separate from Raja.
- June 2, 2025: Raghuvanshi’s body discovered at Wei Sawdong Falls; post-mortem cites fatal head injuries.
- June 10, 2025: Sonam and alleged mastermind Raj Kushwaha remanded by Meghalaya court.
- June 24, 2025: Three evidence-tampering suspects—Tomar, James, Ahirwar—nabbed in Gwalior and Indore.
What Happens Next?
- Forensic Testing: Charred remains sent to NFSC lab in Gandhinagar for DNA and device recovery.
- Court Proceedings: Transit remand hearings scheduled in Shillong; potential new charges under the Indian Evidence Act.
- Further Arrests: SIT sources indicate more detentions likely as phone records and financial trails are traced.
Daily Digest: Ongoing Updates
- June 25: Expected SIT briefing on preliminary forensic findings.
- June 27: Shillong High Court hearing on judicial custody extensions.
- June 30: Next SIT report on additional suspects.
Fact-Check
| Claim | Source / Verification |
|---|---|
| Bag containing phones and jewellery was burned in Indore | Confession of Silome James, recorded by Indore Crime Branch timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Charred remains recovered and sent for forensic analysis | Official SIT statement, Meghalaya Police press release (pending publication on Meghalaya.gov.in) |
