Meghalaya Police Files 790-Page Charge Sheet in Businessman Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case

Shillong, September 6 — Meghalaya Police have filed a 790-page charge sheet in the sensational murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, naming eight accused including his wife Sonam and her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha.

Raja was killed in May this year while honeymooning in Meghalaya, sparking a nationwide manhunt. His body was recovered on June 2 from a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra.

East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said the charge sheet, submitted before the Judicial Magistrate First Class of Sohra Sub-Division on Friday, is backed by strong material evidence.

According to police, Sonam and Raj, along with Akash Singh Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan and Anand Kurmi, have been charged under sections 103(1) (murder), 238(a) (destruction of evidence) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. Lokendra Tomar, Balla Ahirwar and Shilom James were also booked for their alleged role in destroying evidence.

Investigations revealed that Sonam, who was in a relationship with Raj, conspired with him and his friends to murder Raja during the honeymoon. Raja was allegedly attacked by Raj’s associates Aakash, Vishal and Anand in Sonam’s presence. She later surrendered in Uttar Pradesh while the others were arrested.

Raja’s family has demanded the death penalty for all accused. His elder brother Vipin Raghuvanshi said, “We want capital punishment for Sonam, Kushwaha and everyone involved.” He expressed satisfaction with the investigation but accused Sonam’s brother Govind of misleading their family by secretly hiring a lawyer to defend her despite earlier pledging support.

The case, which has shocked both Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh, will now proceed to trial.